Chicken massacre last night. Five dead, two injured.

[jnicholes]

I went out to check on my chickens today, and I saw that there was a break-in. Two of my chickens lay dead outside the coop, three lay dead inside the coop. Two of my chickens are injured and are unable to walk now. I found one chicken alive and uninjured outside the run hiding. I was able to pick her up and help her.

There is little snow right now, so I couldn’t identify by footprint what broke in. My best guess is a raccoon, because it broke through the chicken wire fence. It was literally pulled open.

Here are pictures of the crime scene.

And here is the one I just found outside the run, alive, but very scared.

I have multiple questions on what to do. I’ve never had this happen before.

First off, two of the chickens are injured. They can’t walk anymore. They’re just sitting there waiting for death I think. How do you ethically put down a chicken?

Second, what could’ve done this? I mean, leaving the bodies after killing them? I’m pretty sure it was a raccoon, but I’m gonna set up my trail camera and set a trap tonight to try and figure it out, but I need some input.

Third, my chickens are quite scared. How can I help them get through this ordeal?

Finally, what can I do to further fortify the run?

I need help, so any advice is appreciated.

 

[GodLovesU]

I’m so sorry!
@Eggcessive @Wyorp Rock @azygous

 

[GodLovesU]

Where are the openings on the coop?I have heard that chicken wire is very unstable,hardware cloth is better.How many living chickens are there?Can you further inspect the hens that are not able to walk?I wonder if they’re in shock.Be sure to dispose of the bodies so as not to attract more predators,unless you want to use them as bait in the trap.

 

[AGeese]

I think Raccoon.

 

[AGeese]

You need hardware cloth instead of chicken wire, and I would drill it down with washers.

btw sorry about your birds.

 

[jnicholes]

Where are the openings on the coop?I have heard that chicken wire is very unstable,hardware cloth is better.How many living chickens are there?Can you further inspect the hens that are not able to walk?I wonder if they’re in shock.Be sure to dispose of the bodies so as not to attract more predators.

I am actually out picking up hardware cloth right now. The opening on the coop is right next to the opening in the run that the possible raccoon made. I don’t think it’s in the picture. I’ll get a better picture when I get back.

 

[jnicholes]

Where are the openings on the coop?I have heard that chicken wire is very unstable,hardware cloth is better.How many living chickens are there?Can you further inspect the hens that are not able to walk?I wonder if they’re in shock.Be sure to dispose of the bodies so as not to attract more predators,unless you want to use them as bait in the trap.

I forgot to add, there are eight living chickens left. I originally had 13. I’ll inspect the injured ones when I get back.

 

[jnicholes]

You need hardware cloth instead of chicken wire, and I would drill it down with washers.

btw sorry about your birds.

I will definitely take your advice.

 

[GodLovesU]

Ok,keep us updated!

 

[AGeese]

Don't you have a secure door to the coop? You'll need something they can't easily chew through instread of particle board. Get some plywood and hinges with a couple of latch locks you can place on either side since they can figure out simple doors.