8 dead 2 month old chicks stuffed in corner of coop

[HighSpringsChix]

Hi, today I found 8 dead chicks stuffed in the corner of the coop behind a nesting box. There were 7 chicks left alive, and 1 wounded. The wounded one has a bite or tooth mark under her wing and on her back, a spread of about 4 inches. Only 1 of the chicks was partially eaten, the others were stashed for later, I suppose. What is the most likely culprit? There weren't any big holes in the wire, or holes dug under the coop. I live right up against a State Park, so we have everything here.

Now that I think about it, I had another big hen dead in another coop. She had no parts missing, so I assumed it was natural causes. What would creep into the coop and kill, but not eat or carry off?

I locked my nearly worthless dogs down with the chickens tonight. They have been sleeping on the porch instead of doing their jobs. Hopefully, they will keep whatever it is away. I have goats, and *good* LGD's with them, but if it's a fox, I am worried for the kids.

Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[bobbi-j]

With the bite marks under the wing and neck, I'd guess weasel. They will bite and then lap up the blood, leaving little evidence. I had one wipe out a dozen 6-week olds once. They all had a bite mark under the wing or on the neck. Could be what got your big hen, too. They're pretty small so they don't really need much of a hole to get in the pen.

 

[sallihennipenni]

I agree, it was probably a weasel....or maybe a mink? Either can enter through a hole as small as an inch. I'm so sorry about your loss.

My chicks are right at that same age.

 

[CityClucks]

A badger did this same kind of thing to our chickens...they are part of the weasel family. In your part of the country, I'd guess it was a weasel, too.

 

[HighSpringsChix]

A weasel, well that's good and bad. Hard to weasel proof a coop, but I don't have to worry so much for the goats. Guess I'll look up how to trap one. Hopefully the presence of a dog will be enough to deter it, even if I have to lock his worthless hide in the coop with the chickens. (At least he doesn't kill chickens anymore.)

Thanks for the info.