Can anyone help me figure out what happened.

[SteveH]

Quote:

Though stripped feathers with the completely missing carcasses does not usually make me think raccoon, I certainly wouldn't rule them out. Bobcat, if they're in your area, sounds more likely.

I use a fairly large livetrap, about 11x14x36. I suggest you invest in a couple. If there's way to secure one to the opening the predator is forcing its way through, leave that opening uncovered with a trap securely fastened to the wall to prevent the trap from being shoved back; another baited on the outside. At this point, I fear that securing the coop from night assaults may only lead to daytime attacks while the birds are outside.

 

[MarinMama]

What type of auto door is that?

 

[The Sheriff]

Quote:
It's the Pullet Shut model from chicken doors dot com. I do not recommend it. It is getting replaced as soon as the holiday weekend is over. Nothing but trouble.

 

[The Sheriff]

Quote:

Though stripped feathers with the completely missing carcasses does not usually make me think raccoon, I certainly wouldn't rule them out. Bobcat, if they're in your area, sounds more likely.

I use a fairly large livetrap, about 11x14x36. I suggest you invest in a couple. If there's way to secure one to the opening the predator is forcing its way through, leave that opening uncovered with a trap securely fastened to the wall to prevent the trap from being shoved back; another baited on the outside. At this point, I fear that securing the coop from night assaults may only lead to daytime attacks while the birds are outside.

Thanks Steve. We will try that.

 

[looptloop]

Oh NO! I'm so sorry Mary! I just lost one of the Marans I got from you (last spring) this past week

I think a fox may have got her, as all I found was a pile of feathers, like you mentioned you found. I think a fox would fit through that opening, as they are the size of a cat. I have not seen a bobcat so I can't say how big they are. Maybe a smallish racoon could have too. The racoons I see dead on the road are HUGE though, so it would have had to be young/small.

Glad to know you are not happy with the pop door, as I have been considering getting one - thanks for that heads up.

 

[SteveH]

Quote:
Raccoons are covered by long, dense fur and look much bigger than they are. That said, the largest I've seen was a huge 35 pounder, but sure didn't need a 4x5 opening to get through.

 

[looptloop]

I think I would faint if I saw a 35 lb raccoon! The attitude they have would take down a grown man! Yipes.

 

[ivan3]

Invest in live traps and keep them set and baited (though, given the location, I'm with Bear foot Farm, snare).

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=232969&p=1

 

[Desert Rooster]

Sorry for your loss

, Put up a game cam, and see whats lurking around the coop

 

[Kudzu]

I hate it, kill the bastids.