Chickens killed with only heads eat

[dhopper122]

A couple of days ago, I found a hen dead in my pen. She was missing her head, left wing, half of the back bone, and all of her entrails. Weirdest part was, she was not in riger mortis when I found her. I am putting up electrified wiring and netting. If I can stop it from happening again, I will.

 

[luvfarmlife]

Did you ever find out what killed them? I lost one today she was very young and small and had head and left wing missing also and small hole in back area. I am pretty sure I interrupted whatever it was because it was still warm and reflexing but didn't see anything fly or run off. It was late afternoon too so still light outside. I brought my dogs into pen area to see if they hit on anything that may have left via ground but they didn't track so we were thinking a hawk maybe Cooper Hawk because they are small. I have large area that their night pen sits in so they are free range during the day and heard that stringing fishing line and zig zagging it around over the pen area will confuse birds of prey and they won't try to get in. Well I have had one adult go missing completely, just vanished (not sure about feathers because several were molting at the time so couldn't tell because feathers were everywhere) and now this one today.

 

[mommadearest]

Agree

 

[dhopper122]

No, I hadn't found out what it was. But, I took measures to fight back. I built a blinking red LED light that was said to scare off owls. Funny thing is that there have been no more deaths with missing heads. And only one death since I put it up. And that I think was a racoon or opossum.

 

[dhopper122]

Oh, but I did see a couple of weeks ago, a great horned owl flying from a neighbor's yard. And that is what was suggested that was killing my birds. Oh, besides fishing line, try free hanging mylar strips. The bright flashes will frighten off birds, too.

 

[centrarchid]

Thread below deals with a known predator that consistently removes head only during early stages of consumption. If carcass is allowed to stay out the predator returns each night at very predictable time eating more until carcass is light enough to pack off.


https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/979818/great-horned-owl-fun-in-2015/60

 

[dhopper122]

I had researched online and found that a blinking red LED light would cause a owl to avoid the area it was deployed in. So, I made my own, since I am an electronic technician. The box on the wall is way bigger than needed, but it works. I followed the instructions from the online site, stating that it had to be 10-12 foot above ground level. So, I attached it to the peak of my shed. Where the company wants $25 per unit, I made mine for far less than the cost of 4 units, which is needed to cover 360 degrees. Oh, and since I deployed the system, NO owl attacks! I think the developers of the concept are onto something. If anyone wants one, I will be looking at doing a price list and seeing what a final cost would be.

 

[centrarchid]

Once the owls get settled in the lights will no longer repel them. My owls are not longer repelled even by a spotlight and may even come to it when chickens make racket.

 

[queenm34]

I just came home to a healthy bird who had her neck and head picked clean, but the rest of the carcass was left alone. I live in Tx, don't think we have minks or weasels. BTW, this had to be done during daylight or at dusk. Any ideas?

 

[centrarchid]

Head removal after attack by Great-horned Owl can take less than 5 minutes after initial contact with live chicken. When so done their will be no bones of head and neck remaining.