2 killed in the middle of the afternoon...

[thechxwhisperer]

I have had 2 pullets killed in the same exact spot in our woods.
A Wyandotte and a Black Cochin, each the same size.

Both killed at around the same time about a month apart. Yesterday the 2nd pullet disappeared and we went on a search for her. We walked to the place where our first pullet disappeared. A few feet in the woods was a little patch of black feathers. We followed a trail 75 feet into the woods and found a bunch of dens and feathers. Then we found a huge pile of black feathers and our pullet's feet and wings. There were no animals in sight. Could this be a fox?

 

[Mister B]

I would say fox or coyote. They ate it all except the wings an feet? That sounds like some sort dog/fox/coyote. Someone needs to make a guide about what different critter kills look like.

 

[thechxwhisperer]

I thought so! Also, I'm am almost positive we have a Bobcat in our woods.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I would suggest a game camera - great way to determine what predator(s) you are up against so that you can tailor your flock-keeping, containment, etc. accordingly.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Here are a few articles that help identify the predator. It’s not always easy.

http://pods.dasnr.okstate.edu/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-2111/ANSI-8204web.pdf

http://www.extension.org/pages/7120...mall-and-backyard-poultry-flocks#.VDQPcxEtCUk

http://icwdm.org/inspection/livestock.asp

I agree, most likely fox or coyote.

 

[CrazyTalk]

Figure out how the predator is getting your birds, then fix that hole.


Otherwise you're just going to keep losing birds. Hunting down the particular predator will just give you a pause until a new one moves in.

 

[Mister B]

I agree with Crazytalk. Happened to me. I found it was a possum (big sucker). I'm sure another will be along soon.

 

[thomasboyle]

Very sorry for your losses. I agree about the game camera. They are invaluable when trying to determine what you are up against. Let us know if you figure out what lives in the dens.

 

[thechxwhisperer]

I was thinking about the camera too. We are almost 100% positive it is a Bobcat. It dragged away our lead male Guinea Fowl this morning...

 

[thomasboyle]

I had a bobcat last summer take some of my ducks and guineas, so I know what you are going through. Very sorry.