I lost my flock today. What kind of predator?

[mcclucker]

bodies everywhere. Broken necks, lots of feathers everywhere, but very little blood. I couldn’t tell how it got into the fenced yard. No torn fencing, no holes. Fence was 4’ wire.

Two flew out and escaped, 11 dead. I’m in northern New England bordering a forested area. Fischer? Weasel? Some of the had gnaw marks on the belly and missing feathers but only one had blood.

It didn’t even take any to eat!! They are all accounted for. Ages from 2 years to 3 months

 

[True Patriot]

Nothing was eaten, or not completely? First thing that comes to mind is dogs.

 

[DucksOhio]

Oh I’m speechless for your loss!

Raccoons are our big problem here. Hawks if the birds are smaller.

My thoughts are with you.

 

[mcclucker]

Nothing was eaten. A couple had feathers pulled out around their breasts and one had a bleeding neck.

Could have been a dog on the loose I guess.

 

[mcclucker]

We have hawks too but they wouldn’t have killed them all and not eaten any.

 

[Al Capon]

Guessing dogs. They think chickens are live squeaky toys.

 

[KikiLeigh02]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm thinking dog as well, I'm not sure what else would hunt and kill but not consume anything.

 

[MROO]

How absolutely heartbreaking! I am so sorry!
It sure does sound like dogs. They come in and wreak havoc, just for the fun of the chase. As soon as the target dies, it stops moving, so it's not fun anymore, so they go after a new one. A four foot fence is nothing to most dogs big enough to kill a chicken. Even my old poodle mix - who wouldn't hurt a fly - could jump a four foot fence in his prime. Can you set up a camera to see if your culprits come back? And please, make sure your remaining two biddies have a safe, covered run, now.

 

[Debbi H]

So sorry to hear you've lost your flock. That's heartbreaking.
My friend who lives in Utah lost her entire flock in two nights. The birds were killed, but not eaten. She said it looked like they'd been drained of blood. I can't recall exactly what she said did it, but it was mink or weasel. They managed to trap and kill it, but of course, she had no flock left at that point.

 

[True Patriot]

What was the time frame? Some predators only hunt during certain times.