70 chickens dead in one night.

[cluck-addict]

all locked into the coop last night. there is a screened door with hardware cloth. barn windows that tilt in for fresh air. Nothing really eaten. just all killed. Hardly a drop of blood. The critter even found its way out. Any ideas what it might be?

 

[Nicole01]

Poison or bad food???

I'm so very sorry for the massive loss! I just can't imagine!

 

[tinychicky]

Animals in the weasel family (mink, fishers, ermine) will kill dozens at a time without eating more than a bite from each, if that, not to mention slip through the tiniest of holes. Sorry for your loss.

 

[cluck-addict]

Thanks. We've got the coop on lockdown. we are guessing weasel or mink. its horrendous. the kids are still so upset. all the show birds are gone!

 

[cluck-addict]

we have 6 live birds left. 2 are gimpy. now to replace fair birds and rebuild our stock....

 

[real_redhead]

So sorry for your loss, hope you get what got your chickens!

 

[centrarchid]

I am betting raccoon. Quit being sorry and setup tonight and listen to what is going on in coop tonight. Otherwise the six remaining may be less by morning. Tomorrow look for were a door or pannel might be pried open.

 

[tinychicky]

Coons would typically eat the head and crop of at least a few birds (in my experience), but it's a possibility. You could try setting a trap near your coop with a little lunch meat or even a bit of a chicken carcass in case it comes back. Might not bother with it though if it didn't eat the chickens before :/

 

[leadwolf1]

I don't think that a raccoon could kill without alot of blood loss...but, a mink or weasel could. Check necks for puncture wounds.

 

[centrarchid]

If attack occured at night and birds where packed in, then coon would go from one bird to next without consuming any. Regardless of species, predator maybe back.