chickens killing chickens

[Mixed flock enthusiast]

I have been keeping chickens for over a year without any issues. Recently something over several evening got in and killed everyone in the back two runs/coups. we made sure everything was secure and purchased two chickens for the smaller run and 5 chickens for the larger run after several days i opened the door between the two runs so they could mingle - all was well - they were separated at night and put back in their own coup - after several days of this one night they all got into the same coup and i closed the door - all was well - this happened for four nights - when i opened the coup this morning one was dead another was almost dead and two were injured. They got along great no pecking or fighting even when getting in the coup together. I am shocked this happened - any thoughts. by the way all the injuries were to head and neck

Oh how awful - you’ve really been through a lot of trauma and chicken loss! I agree with the other comments that a predator is your mostly likely explanation. Injuries to head and neck are classic calling cards of weasel attacks. Weasels (and mink) can get through very small gaps and be hard to exclude. Can you temporarily put your chickens in crates in your garage during the nights, and set up a security or game camera in your coop? That could really help your find your predator and it’s entry point. In the meantime, lots of pictures of your setup might help someone to spot weaknesses... I am so sorry that you and your hens have gone through this!

 

[Mixed flock enthusiast]

I have been keeping chickens for over a year without any issues. Recently something over several evening got in and killed everyone in the back two runs/coups. we made sure everything was secure and purchased two chickens for the smaller run and 5 chickens for the larger run after several days i opened the door between the two runs so they could mingle - all was well - they were separated at night and put back in their own coup - after several days of this one night they all got into the same coup and i closed the door - all was well - this happened for four nights - when i opened the coup this morning one was dead another was almost dead and two were injured. They got along great no pecking or fighting even when getting in the coup together. I am shocked this happened - any thoughts. by the way all the injuries were to head and neck

Hi Julhir, any updates on your chickens? I hope that things are going better!

 

[BonNuit]

I am guessing a rat, too. I wouldn't have believed what they can get in -- but if their head can fit -- they can get in -- the size of a nickel -- seriously.