All my hens are dead.

[kjames603]

Slowly over the past week, all my hens were murdered! I cannot figure out how anything got in. Their run is netted and chicken wired all the way around, top to bottom!!!! What could still get in there in the night?????

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

All dead? Sounds like a weasel.

How were they killed?
Are you using hardwire cloth?
How were they killed?
Are their heads missing?

 

[FeatherstoneFrm]

You might post under 'predators and pests'. I lost one last night too and can't figure it out. Hoping someone on the predators and pests board will have an answer.

 

[Sheeba]

If only their heads are missing it could be raccoons. How are they killed?

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

If only their heads are missing it could be raccoons. How are they killed?

A raccoon may take the heads but a multi kill is not their M.O. Weasels are known to cache kills and kill for the sport.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Chicken wire keeps our birds in but not much out and weasels and minks can get through 1” openings. Very sorry for your losses. Next time you get poultry use hardware cloth top bottom and sides it’s the only way to keep them safe.

 

[kjames603]

One day one was missing her head. One day their necks were just broken and one was half eaten. This last time she was butterflied out and eaten, right there inside the roosting area.

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

One day one was missing her head. One day their necks were just broken and one was half eaten. This last time she was butterflied out and eaten, right there inside the roosting area.

That definitely sounds like a weasel. Use hardwire cloth and fix up the coop/run.

 

[kjames603]

I'm so disappointed. My husband and I just built this run and thought we did an amazing job. GUESS NOT!!!!

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

I'm so disappointed. My husband and I just built this run and thought we did an amazing job. GUESS NOT!!!!

Everyone makes mistakes and weasels are pains in everyone’s rear end. Use hardwire cloth around the coop and run and bury it about 6-12 inches down. That prevents digging into the coop. Cover all ventilation with hardwire cloth too.

Sorry for your loss.