5 Chickens dead --- What killed them?

[OllieOliverCharlie]

I woke up this morning at 5am and let the chickens out. When I went back out there at 9am, 5 of my 6 chickens were dead. Each chicken was killed in a different location across the yard. Only one had a chunk of its breast bitten off. The others had bite marks and snapped necks. What could've done this? The only reason one of mine survived was because she flew on top of the power line.

What should I look for to figure out what the predator was?

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

So sorry for your losses. It sounds like the birds are left unenclosed, is that correct? Asking as understanding what sort of barrier is/isn't between birds and predators helps to narrow the list of culprits. Also, knowing your location will help on possible suspects.

 

[bobbi-j]

Sounds like a dog to me.

 

[OllieOliverCharlie]

Thank you. I feel stupid to cry over them, but it was just so nice to look out the window and see six little chickens looking back at me. They were only 18 weeks old; I was so looking forward to some eggs. Now there's only one left and I'm so worried about her, especially if whatever killed the others comes back.

We have about an acre of land that has a fence around it with lots of trees and bushes. We live in the suburbs of Chicago.
Occasionally, I see raccoons and opossums, but usually at night. I was thinking that a coon could have killed them, but would it be fast enough to catch them?

 

[iwiw60]

Sounds like a dog to me.

Agreed. The manner in which her chickens were killed says DOG ... I am so very sorry she has had to learn a hard lesson in allowing chickens to free-range. As most of you know I am against free-ranging...my girls are too precious to me to go through the heartbreak this OP is going through right now.

 

[6of6chicks]

Agreed. The manner in which her chickens were killed says DOG ... I am so very sorry she has had to learn a hard lesson in allowing chickens to free-range. As most of you know I am against free-ranging...my girls are too precious to me to go through the heartbreak this OP is going through right now.

I hate to say it, but I agree as well. My girls are confined to their run because I just have too many predators around. Every time I start to feel guilty that they're living in captivity, a quick trip to this forum reminds me why I keep them locked up. Loads of people are luckier in their setups & locations and can free range with no problems. Sadly, I'm not one of them.

OP - I'm so sorry for your loss! That's a devastating thing to have to go through and you shouldn't feel silly to cry over them. If it were my chickens I'd be a wreck. I hope you're able to figure out what did this, and if it is a dog I hope you can track down the owner and hold them responsible!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Thank you. I feel stupid to cry over them, but it was just so nice to look out the window and see six little chickens looking back at me. They were only 18 weeks old; I was so looking forward to some eggs. Now there's only one left and I'm so worried about her, especially if whatever killed the others comes back.

We have about an acre of land that has a fence around it with lots of trees and bushes. We live in the suburbs of Chicago.
Occasionally, I see raccoons and opossums, but usually at night. I was thinking that a coon could have killed them, but would it be fast enough to catch them?

It isn't stupid to cry over them.

You might want to consider constructing an enclosure in which they can at least be kept at night. Chickens are most vulnerable at night, which is also prime time for most predators - so keeping them in at least from dusk to dawn will greatly decrease the risk of loss. Free ranging is something each of us has to decide for ourselves, but it has to be chosen knowing you are taking an accepted risk of losses. The night confinement is a way to provide the best of both worlds by allowing daytime free ranging, which is when the chickens benefit from it anyway, and providing night time safety measures. Even if this attacker does not return (it likely will), there are hundreds more out there that would love to make a meal of your remaining bird and any others you get (which you should either add to the flock again or re-home the remaining bird to a new flock/home as they are not animals who are meant to be alone).

 

[iwiw60]

I hate to say it, but I agree as well. My girls are confined to their run because I just have too many predators around. Every time I start to feel guilty that they're living in captivity, a quick trip to this forum reminds me why I keep them locked up. Loads of people are luckier in their setups & locations and can free range with no problems. Sadly, I'm not one of them.

OP - I'm so sorry for your loss! That's a devastating thing to have to go through and you shouldn't feel silly to cry over them. If it were my chickens I'd be a wreck. I hope you're able to figure out what did this, and if it is a dog I hope you can track down the owner and hold them responsible!

OP: if you have access to a trail cam you might be able to catch the scumbag on film so you know exactly what you're dealing with. As soon as you can pull yourself together you need to confine your remaining girl so she cannot be harmed. I would also suggest trying to locate another bird(s) hopefully around her age so that she isn't lonely. Chickens thrive on companionship and now that she is alone she will not do well I think. If you find out it was indeed a dog, if it was me? I'd be going over to their house, show them what their dog did and explain to them straight to their face..."if your dog is found on my property ever again, it will not return." Plain and simple. My motto is, and has always been:

S - S - S
Shoot - Shovel - Shut Up

 

[dazookeyper]

Maybe a raccoon. They will kill for the pure please of it usually biting the neck. Not always eating there kill. Speak from personal experience on this one. Sorry.

 

[OllieOliverCharlie]

I locked her up right after I caught her! I ended up staying outside with her for most of the day, because she wasn't eating and she was clucking really loudly when she was alone inside the fenced in run. She kept following me around everywhere since her companions are no longer around. </3

My dad bought me some chicks, but we're still looking for some chickens that are closer to her age.

We're asking around to see if the neighbors heard or saw anything.

It's weird, 'cause we haven't had a problem with predators, until now. I hoped that since we're surrounded by two busy roads, a fence, and lots of neighbors that the chickens would be relatively safe. Especially since they have plenty of trees and bushes to hide in. I have learned a valuable lesson--the hard way.

Thank you all for your kindness and advice!