20 chickens dead and/or missing

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eeckenrode

eeckenrode

In the Brooder
8 Years
Dec 19, 2011
19
0
32
Sometime during the middle of the day yesterday something entered the run of our coop and broke the necks of 14 of our chickens, leaving them laying in the run and coop. One was found just outside the run and another was found about a 1/4 mile into the woods behind our house. I'm missing about 5. There is one entry spot in the run and 3 exit areas where they forced their way out. All of the chickens left behind have two puncture wounds where it looks like something grabbed it with it's mouth and shook it. We are thinking a pack of coyotes but are surprised that this happened in the middle of the day. Anyone have any thoughts?
 
To me that sounds like I was something canine, most likely dog, coyotes a possibility, fox maybe but not all that likely. Dogs are especially known to kill for fun. I really think dog, probably a pack.

There is a myth that most predators only attack at night. Dogs of course don’t care if it is day or night, but I’ve seen coyotes, foxes, bobcat, mink, skunks, raccoons, and possum hunting or feeding in the middle of the day. Many predators are more active at night, plus with less human activity at night they have more uninterrupted time to work their mischief so the risk is greater at night, but they can all attack at any time.

Once a myth gets going you just can’t stop it.
 
Ridgerunner said:
To me that sounds like I was something canine, most likely dog, coyotes a possibility, fox maybe but not all that likely. Dogs are especially known to kill for fun. I really think dog, probably a pack.

There is a myth that most predators only attack at night. Dogs of course don’t care if it is day or night, but I’ve seen coyotes, foxes, bobcat, mink, skunks, raccoons, and possum hunting or feeding in the middle of the day. Many predators are more active at night, plus with less human activity at night they have more uninterrupted time to work their mischief so the risk is greater at night, but they can all attack at any time.

Once a myth gets going you just can’t stop it.
Click to expand...
+1

I agree that it's probably a dog (or dogs) - and with the other list of suspects mentioned by Ridgerunner.
 
I also think canine; dog(s) most likely. So sorry! I did have a daytime fox attack once, ten hens dead one afternoon. Awful! Chickens can avoid raccoons and possums if free ranging in daytime, but not if trapped in a run. My run is proof from everything except bears, who haven't yet arrived here. Your run need serious work to be safe. Mary
 
Also, your predator will return, maybe today, maybe later, so be ready. Let all the neighbors know, especially those with birds, so everyone is on the alert. Our daytime fox was ill, and shot by a neighbor a few days later, because of our warning. Mary
 
Thank you to all who responded. Yes, we are thinking it was domestic dog(s). We plan on reinforcing the run fencing.
 

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