Actually it was a coyote.  In the wee hours this morning Grandma heard some squallin’ down by the chicken coop.  She hastily threw a jacket on over her pajamas and rushed outside … eight chickens too late.  Still it could have been worse.  The 14 remaining hens were a bit skittish most of the day - wouldn’t you be? - but were otherwise unharmed.  Will and Papa spent the afternoon securing the coop against any more intrusions.

Oh… and Hazel is one of the survivors… in case you were wondering.