3 Chickens lost in 3 days!!!

[4kids4hens]

my head is about to explode! we've lost 3 chickens in 3 days. we are now down to 3. not sure what is happening, but know there is some form of predator involved. one was killed a few days ago, and we found the remains (just legs). then i went out this AM and found another dead, but this one is almost fully intact, but the neck is eaten away, with some of the underside missing, but not much. and another is completely missing. the last three are huddled behind a shed/fence (middle of day). the chickens are locked up in a coop each night. i just got my haveaheart trap out... there are definitely raccoons and skunks in this area (94025). any advice as to what i may be dealing with?

 

[21hens-incharge]

My guess is a coon.

It will be back.

Are they being attacked during the day?

 

[darkoverlord]

Its most likely a opossum.
keep your animals caged up and set out some canned cat food in a box trap to catch it or it will keep coming back until they are all dead. if you really are serious take the body parts left of the dead chicken and use that for the bait along with the cat food. I found that leg hold traps get far better results but some think that's mean but they are a predator killing your family friends.

 

[happyfrenchman]

I concur with possum... be advised, it is getting into your coop. They can get in through surprisingly small holes. If your chickens will not go in the coop, it is possible the possum or whatever it is, is still in there. I have heard of small possums getting into a coop and hiding.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Wondering what part of the country the OP is in.

Possum are not everywhere.

 

[rebrascora]

Hawks might be another option to consider....

 

[lazy gardener]

I vote coon. Where predators are concerned, take no hostages.

OP, if you tell us your general location, that will help. More details also about when the deaths are occurring, and details about your coop/run set up, what you are using for predator proofing, your management style: free range, coop/run, covered run? Chicken wire, hardware cloth? Birds shut up every night? When do you let them out?

 

[Stayc]

I think op posted their zip code? I agree coon!! You have to eliminate the preditor and solve the problem with the coop immediately. Best of luck sorry about your losses

 

[4kids4hens]

thanks everyone. we found one of my ladies!!! so, now just two lost... i haven't seen possums around, but will figure this out... the chickens were hiding behind the shed, but they are now all back in the coop (they went in themselves)... there were 5 this AM per my #3 kid whose chore is to open/close, so it was a daytime predator (something between 8am - 12pm), so it might actually be a hawk...(but the chicken was left, and just the neck and a small part of the under body was missing - still all feathers, for the most part, intact). i see no signs of anything that would indicate something has gotten into the coop, its a small coop, and it has chicken wire at the bottom as well.

More details:
area: northern california/menlo park area
deaths are occurring (seems to have been morning/late morn)
details about your coop/run set up: inside of a small 3,000 sq foot orchard (fenced in, but open range) with a coop inside the orchard (open during day/closed at night)
what you are using for predator proofing: nothing
your management style: free range with a coop for night time
Birds shut up every night: yes
When do you let them out: 730amish

 

[Morrigan]

I used to live in that area and my vote would be for raccoon, possum, or dog. What is the fencing around your orchard like? Are there signs that it was breached or dug under, in which case that would weigh in favor of it being a dog. If it is raccoons or possums, keeping your chickens in a fully enclosed run, electrifying the fencing, or capturing the predator (and hoping there are others nearby) are your options.