To keep birds of prey away I use old CDs tied to strings across the yard (found that info here 2 years ago on some thread...it works). The reflections keep them away. However, my Grandpa used owl decoys...... just as someone above has suggested.
Yes, I agree...the print is canine...If the nail impressions in the front of the track point inward it is wild, and if they point outward it is domestic.
Without knowing the distance from one side of the "U" to the next, or the size of the puncture wounds it is hard to be 100% accurate. However, with the amount of information given (i.e. Multiple birds killed w/ little damage.) I would have to say that it was a dog, IMO. Sorry for your loss...
I had the same thing happen w/ Eye-mart. They were so bad I could not drive home. I Got sick to my stomach, and had to pull over after wearing them for only a few minutes.
Well, I wish you... GOOD LUCK on your hatch! I would not worry about dark eggs candled on day14-17 if the shells are any color but white. It sometimes depends on the light you use, color, and thickness of the shell. Moreover, this is your first hatch, and your temp might be a half degree...
At 5 week they can get to be some work in the house with the dust and litter. If you do put them outside, I would put a lamp on them (w/o a lamp in the house they are still at 70 degrees I am sure.). Allow them enough room to move as close, or as far away from the light as they want. Just like...