Chickens(7) Killed (no heads) w/ Carcasses Scattered in Nearby Fields

[Kirk Williams]

Time to remove excess bait and begin depopulating. Make certain coop is in good shape to resist entry. Having bait out like you had likely makes weary predators easier to trap as to date have had not bad experiences.

I would be surprised if you have not had multiple visitors representing multiple species.

Thanks centrarchid, this morning after tracking the footprints across the soybean field I went to let the chickens out and noticed the same footprints in the snow circling the coop. There may be more than one intruder.

 

[centrarchid]

We've got a blue heeler/German pointer mix. He wasn't out after I set up the trail cam except around midnight to potty. View attachment 1695381

I have used German Pointers. Smart dogs.

 

[Kirk Williams]

It’s a canine that did the killing and is taking your carcasses. Whether it’s a fox, coyote or your dog I don’t know. I will say you are making your problems far worse by setting out the carcasses like that.
When they’re all gone he will start picking your chickens off again during the day when you let them out to free range (if it’s a fox or coyote). In any case good luck.

Thank You roosterhavoc, I think tonight will be the last night to try to catch the predator on trail cam. I'm thinking I'll set it to video and then maybe we'll be able to tell more by the motions.

 

[OhZark Biddies]

I have used German Pointers. Smart dogs.

The new ones are pretty smart too, but if you can get a good used one and save a buck or two that makes sense.

 

[Kirk Williams]

I have used German Pointers. Smart dogs.

Smart and subborn but very loyal.

 

[LulaBell]

How interesting... I’d have never guessed they’d extend that far south.

And don’t I feel silly for a) not reading the article and b) because I was just commenting the other day about my state’s bobcat range map being inaccurate.

I think we’ve all been guilty of not reading every word or assuming the diagram/map reflects the article.

 

[centrarchid]

Smart and subborn but very loyal.

The male pictured above was very good at negotiating property boundaries with Coyotes and somehow managed to kill two Red Foxes after multiple attempts. The dogs also make my fencing more effective as you have a double threat going on. The pointers also good for locating broodies roosting on ground so I could put pens over them.

 

[chickengoggles]

This is a fascinating thread, though I extend my condolences to the OP - that's a tough loss. Following to learn more...