2 chickens killed in 2 days

[Zimzim27]

Hello, I have had two of my chickens killed by something in the past 2 days. Both of the bodies were outside of the coop and definitely looked like parts of them were eaten. I live in the eastern lower part of Michigan and I was wondering if anyone knew of any critters that would just kill one hen and eat what it wanted and leave the body. Any information is helpful.

 

[Sapphire Sebright]

Hello, I have had two of my chickens killed by something in the past 2 days. Both of the bodies were outside of the coop and definitely looked like parts of them were eaten. I live in the eastern lower part of Michigan and I was wondering if anyone knew of any critters that would just kill one hen and eat what it wanted and leave the body. Any information is helpful.

What parts were eaten? Do you have any photos of the bodies?

 

[mowin]

Sorry to hear about your chickens..
You've got a slew to choose from. Most common are Coyotes, fox, coon, opossum, skunk, and areal predators. Not to mention neighborhood dogs. Hard to tell what you're dealing with. Do you have a game camera, or get one soon. Whatever you're dealing with will be back. Until then, keep them locked up in the coop if it's predator proof. If it's not, modify it ASAP.

 

[Zimzim27]

I don't have photos but the backs of both of them were eaten down to the bone.

What parts were eaten? Do you have any photos of the bodies?

 

[Zimzim27]

Sorry to hear about your chickens..
You've got a slew to choose from. Most common are Coyotes, fox, coon, opossum, skunk, and areal predators. Not to mention neighborhood dogs. Hard to tell what you're dealing with. Do you have a game camera, or get one soon. Whatever you're dealing with will be back. Until then, keep them locked up in the coop if it's predator proof. If it's not, modify it ASAP.

Are there any smaller animals would be in this area because there aren't really any large holes in the enclosure. And the areas that have been eaten are rather small.

 

[Zimzim27]

Update. A rooster has gone missing. I have not found a body, but there are his color of feathers around in the coop.

 

[mowin]

Are there any smaller animals would be in this area because there aren't really any large holes in the enclosure. And the areas that have been eaten are rather small.

Mink, weasel can squeeze through holes as small as a inch. A coon can reach in a small hole and grab a chicken and cause lots of damage.
But a mink or weasel wouldn't cary off a full size chicken.

 

[mowin]

Where were the chickens? Free ranging?

 

[Zimzim27]

Where were the chickens? Free ranging?

No they're caged. Both of their bodies were outside the hen house but they were still inside the cage.

 

[mowin]

No they're caged. Both of their bodies were outside the hen house but they were still inside the cage.

What size openings are in the run? Pics would be helpful. Is the run covered? If so with what?