Mystery solved...

[PHPaul]

I saw him the next day, but unfortunately all I had with me was the .22 pistol.

I cranked off a round from about 20 yards and missed, then emptied a magazine chasing him down the fenceline and into the woods.

Haven't seen him since, so maybe he got the hint.

Being a nasty, suspicious, distrusting old grouch, I only let the birds out for a couple of hours in the morning for now.

I also invested in a wireless IP Cam that sends motion alerts and video to my cell phone, so when they're out I've got an eye on them.

[Patria]

Poor thing.. Is that a kiddy cat?

That is a bobcat. They are a wild cat, same family as a lynx, can be more than 4 feet long and weigh 40 pounds or more.

If it would stay away from my chickens I'd be happy to let it be, but chickens are such an easy meal for them that they can't resist.

Read about bobcats after your reply to me, and of course I had hear about those but I guess never gave it a second thought or knew they were called bobcats.