18 Chickens killed

[ekemily]

where are you from? That might help narrow down the culprit. Weasels and minks sound nasty. I've never heard of them being an issue down this way...

ETA: I guess I live in one of the few places in North America where weasels are not found. I just had to go and look it up. Learn something new everyday...

 

[Knock Kneed Hen]

So sorry that this is what you have to post about the first time out!! I agree that it sounds like the birds were huddled in a corner and were picked off one by one. Anything that a weasel can fit it's head through can accommodate it's body. Even if you trap it another will fill it's spot so be sure to find where it came in and make it weasel proof.

 

[HighNDryFarm]

Thank you everyone, I should say that I'm in Northern CA to relate what type of prey we have around here. Fish and game didn't think a racoon would kill in this frenzy manner and so many chickens (although five were only 2 months). He thought it unusual that there wasn't even one taken and yes...the no blood is what has me curious/concerned. And while one egg was broken in the rustle, it was not eaten and three others were untouched.

One of the reason that brought me here today, besides looking for anyone who may have experienced something similar was that I'm considering hatching the eggs. In my disbelief at what had happened and waiting for a call from fish and game to come and look at the way they were killed and then piled, I put the eggs in the refrigerator. I'm wondering if I can still hatch out eggs that have been refrigerated?? I took out the three from today and three from yesterday and put them in the garage until someone can tell me if they can still be hatched. If I can I'll get an incubater tomorrow. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

My poor rooster ran around the yard tonight in a panic searching for his girls...broke my heart. I put him in a travel dog cage, in our barn in an empty horse stall to keep him safe.

 

[sourland]

Yes, there is a strong possibility that those eggs will hatch. Give it a try.

 

[ekemily]

I've hatched an egg that was in the fridge for a week. Other people on here have hatched fertile eggs from grocery stores. It can be done. It the eggs are getting older than six days, it's kind of pushing it.

 

[dolly85]

Sure, go ahead and incubate those eggs. As long as they don't freeze the hatchibility is still pretty good in my experience. LOL I don't think you get below freezing much in Cali though! Take the ones you plan to hatch and stick them on the counter until you get your incubator regulated. Keep it around 99.5 for several hours before sticking those eggs in to make sure the temp is stable.

ETA Get your own thermometer and hygrometer at the same time as the incubator. The thermometers that come in the package are usually cheap. Humidity is just as important as temp!

 

[mmaddie's mom]

Just about 10 days ago I lost 20 in 2 nights. (see "very sad day..." thread) 9 the first night and 11 the second night... scene sounds exactly like mine... when the trapper got here he was pretty sure it was a mink from the stacking and no heads. Sure enough, the first night he set his traps, he got a female mink! He used a live trap with live bait (live sparrow in a small cage inside the trap)... he says raw liver or fresh fish are good as bait also. Good luck catching your predator... he will be back!

 

[HighNDryFarm]

Quote:
I am concerned the attackers are human. Although we are in a rural area and we are friendly with all or neighbors, no known enemies....we've been here all our lives, it feels suspicous to me. They didn't freeze...we're in Northern CA...it's been in the 70's during the day....plus, they have a hen house that they go in. Whatever it was chased them out of the hen house into the coup area, then piled them up after they were killed. The gate doesn't lock but it was firmly shut, I actually had to struggle a bit with it to open it this morning.

I'm appreciating all the input and condolences...thank you.

 

[sourland]

The piling or "stockpiling" of the carcasses is very typical of members of the weasel family. I still think that is the pred you are dealing with and would suggest that you set several live traps. It will return and the safety of your rooster is in jeopardy.

 

[HighNDryFarm]

mmaddie's mom :

Just about 10 days ago I lost 20 in 2 nights. (see "very sad day..." thread) 9 the first night and 11 the second night... scene sounds exactly like mine... when the trapper got here he was pretty sure it was a mink from the stacking and no heads. Sure enough, the first night he set his traps, he got a female mink! He used a live trap with live bait (live sparrow in a small cage inside the trap)... he says raw liver or fresh fish are good as bait also. Good luck catching your predator... he will be back!

Oh, I'm so sorry! We don't have mink around here...and I wish the trapper would have called me back so he could help us. We have a have-a-heart trap but my husband thinks what got them is too big for our trap....I'll be sleeping with one eye open tonight....

It so hard losing these peck and poopers!​