Birds killed by bobcat

[Farmer413]

I had 16 birds killed by a bobcat about 2 weeks ago. 11 hens, one rooster, and 5 guinea hens. (It was very upsetting. 3 of the chickens came by name and most let me pick them up and followed me around.) I live in Massachusetts. I did call MassWildlife and they said most bobcats arent rabid. Id like to be cautious anyway. They are all still in the coop since the temperatures have been below 0. Wind chills have been -20 to -40. I'm going to dispose of them in the woods. I want to thoroughly clean the coop since I plan on getting new birds in a month or two. It's finally around 30 and I am able to clean them up now.

How should I clean it?
Are there any diseases I should be concerned about? I obviously plan on wearing gloves.

Most surfaces inside are painted. Some aren't such as nesting boxes. They took most of the paint off the roosts too. I put a laminate floor down to help with cleaning.

Your input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Welshies]

I don't think the bobcat was rabid. It was just a predator wanting to eat.

 

[MINDANAO DAVE]

Don't worry of the rabies. That bobcat was doing what he does best kill his pray. It unfortunately happen alot. I would be more worried about how he got in because you can bet he will be back.

 

[Welshies]

Don't worry of the rabies. That bobcat was doing what he does best kill his pray. It unfortunately happen alot. I would be more worried about how he got in because you can bet he will be back.

x2. You need to do some modifications to your coop.

 

[Farmer413]

He didnt make it out... What should I use to disinfect the coop? I have a linoleum floor and mostly painted wood surfaces with low or no VOC paint.

 

[Farmer413]

Also, I have changed a few things around. I have some babies that will need to be in there in about 3 or 4 weeks. So I'd like to remove all the shavings... feces..... blood... any leftover guts I missed... You get the picture... I like to be as natural as possible but the window was left open and I noticed some mold. My first go to was bleach everything inside then wipe everything down and then just air it out? I'll obviously use bleach to clean the feeder and waterers.
What about vinegar or peroxide?
What would you use?
What about the non painted natural wood surfaces such as the nesting boxes?

Any thoughts are greatly appreciated...

Thank you....

 

[Morrigan]

So sorry about your lost flock. I had a bobcat attack that killed over half my flock in a matter of minutes. Devastating.

I simply swept out, and then washed my coop with water. Put down all fresh straw and bedding. I had birds that survived the attack, so I didn't have much choice about doing more elaborate measures. I never thought about disease and my surviving birds didn't sicken or anything.

If I were in your position, I would have repainted the interior before adding new birds.

 

[Farmer413]

So sorry about your lost flock. I had a bobcat attack that killed over half my flock in a matter of minutes. Devastating.

I simply swept out, and then washed my coop with water. Put down all fresh straw and bedding. I had birds that survived the attack, so I didn't have much choice about doing more elaborate measures. I never thought about disease and my surviving birds didn't sicken or anything.

If I were in your position, I would have repainted the interior before adding new birds.

Thank you... it was tough... took all my chickens and Guinea hens... it almost took my face when I opened the door...

Chickens are actually very smart if trained. I had some that came by name.

I really prefer not to repaint it's not quite warm enough yet. The paint is washable. I just dont know what cleaner is best. Like I said it will have a couple weeks to air out....

 

[Farmer413]

So I have my new chickens in my garage. They will be moving into their coop in a week or so. The new run is in place.

I really want to clean out all of the old shavings and disinfect the whole coop. What should I use? Most surfaces are painted except the nesting boxes and a few other areas. I was thinking bleach or vinegar. I did notice some mold in there and need to get rid of it. The window was left cracked open. I can let it air out for a week prior to putting the birds in.

Please make suggestions. Thanks

 

[Nambroth]

I have Marek's on my property so I use something with a viruicide in it; so far I have been very happy with a product called Odoban, which is sold at many home improvement stores now. Choose a scent you can live with, as it does have a fairly strong odor until it's dry. You can mix it according to the label in the concentration you prefer. I believe it also kills mold spores. Many dog kennels use it and it is safe when used according to directions. I'd suggest budgeting in some time for it to fully dry and air out for at least several hours if not a day or two, before putting your birds back into the cleaned area.