I just lost my first hen to prey :(

(Not a q, just a rant)

My ladies have a large run, most of the time they are in there. But when I’m doing yard work I will let them roam the yard. I finished yard work today and was rounding them up to put them away, and one was missing. I looked for a while found a large patch of down feathers in the grass :( I’ve lost birds before but it was due to sickness and things I couldn’t prevent.

I was outside the whole time I didn’t see or hear anything happen. I feel so bad I could’ve prevented this one. I’ve had chickens for 7 years, letting them out only under supervision, and I’ve never had one taken this way before. This lady was a young one too, I raised her from chick last spring. I honestly don’t want to let them out anymore, but it’s so sad they love to dig around.