We have had chickens for nearly eight years and have never had a a big problem with predators. I have lost about 15 chickens just in the last couple of months. Sometimes I find the bodies, sometimes I don't. Sometimes wings are removed, sometimes heads are removed. Sometimes I see no visible signs of injury.... just a dead bird on the ground. It seems like when an attack happens, multiple birds at a time become victims. My birds free range a large cattle-fenced pasture with my goats. I know it is not 100% secure and we are working on that but I don't think coyotes or dogs are getting in there.
So.... this morning (9:30am) I noticed there was another attack. 2 hens and my rooster. The rooster was about 5 yards from the coop with no signs of injury. One hen was about ten yards from the coop with her head missing and loose feathers circled around her. I cannot find the other hen. There are feathers scattered throughout the coop but I can't tell if it is more than normal. I have not had any trouble with eggs missing. These are adult heavy weight birds. I know we have possums, coyotes, hawks, owls, raccoons, house cats, and who knows what else in our area (Western NC).
Thanks for any help!
So.... this morning (9:30am) I noticed there was another attack. 2 hens and my rooster. The rooster was about 5 yards from the coop with no signs of injury. One hen was about ten yards from the coop with her head missing and loose feathers circled around her. I cannot find the other hen. There are feathers scattered throughout the coop but I can't tell if it is more than normal. I have not had any trouble with eggs missing. These are adult heavy weight birds. I know we have possums, coyotes, hawks, owls, raccoons, house cats, and who knows what else in our area (Western NC).
Thanks for any help!
