Look for the chicken predator guide from Oklahoma State University.
Google
"Oklahoma State University thieves in the night"
I hate to tell you this but it sounds more like you have some of those "two legged coyotes" in your neck of the woods.
I think that someone who knows you have.... had chickens decided that they wanted to go into the poultry bizz as well, or else they wanted some cheep fixing for a chicken casadia.
The rain was a convent cover for their actives.
Extension Poultry Specialist
Poultry producers should be aware of the possibility of
losses to predators. Owners of small flocks usually have more
difficulty with predators than those with large flocks, primarily
due to differences in housing. Small flocks are sometimes
housed in buildings that need repair or are not specifically
designed for poultry. As a result, predators have less difficulty
gaining access to the birds. However, large flocks housed
in new buildings in good repair can also be victims if proper
precautions are not taken. Anticipating problems and taking
necessary preventative action is the best defense against
predators.
Housing
Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service
Predators:
Thieves in the Night
Properly constructed houses can do much to discourage
predators. Deep foundations keep animals from tunneling
under, tight fitting windows and doors that are screened with
poultry netting or hardware cloth keep unwanted visitors out,
and siding and/or curtains kept in good repair also prevent
entry from outside. These suggestions apply to all sizes of
houses and all sizes of flocks.
Rats and mice, although not usually problems as predators,
encourage the entry of other predatory animals by gnawing
holes in the wood or by burrowing around buildings. A good
rodent control program is necessary for proper predator control.
The following key may aid in identifying the predator:
Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources • Oklahoma State University
ANSI-8204
Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Fact Sheets
are also available on our website at:
Fences
http://osufacts.okstate.edu
If small flocks are allowed outside the house, fences
are important. Fences not only confine the birds to a desired
location, but if they are properly constructed, they keep out
most predators. A mesh wire with openings smaller than one
inch is recommended. Burying fencing with the lower 6-12
inches turned outward deters predators from digging under
the fence. A convenient method of burying the lower part of
the fence is to plow a furrow against the turned portion.
Clues Possible Predators
1. Several birds killed
a. Birds mauled, but not eaten Dogs
b. Birds killed by small bites on body – neatly piled – some heads eaten Mink or Weasel
c. Heads and crops eaten on several birds Raccoon
2. One or two birds killed
a. Birds mauled, abdomen eaten Opossum
b. Deep marks on head and neck, some meat eaten Owl
3. One bird gone – feathers remain Fox or Coyote
4. Chicks killed – abdomen eaten – lingering smell Skunk
5. Several birds gone – no clues Human
Playing Detective
In many instances predators leave clues to their identity
when they have visited a poultry house. From these clues the
poultry producer may be able to identify the culprit and take
the necessary steps to prevent a reoccurrence.
Dogs. A dog usually kills chickens for the sport. Several
dead birds with much mauling of the carcasses is usually
evidence of a dog. Dogs usually visit the chicken pen during
daylight hours rather than at night.
Mink-Weasel. Birds usually show signs of attack on the
sides of the head if a mink or weasel has visited the poultry
house. With these predators, several birds will probably be
killed and piled neatly together. The back of the head and neck
are frequently the only parts of the carcass consumed.
Raccoon. If a predator visits only once each 5 to 7 days
and eats the head and the crop of the dead birds, a raccoon
is probably responsible. Sometimes more than one bird will
be killed at each visit.
Opossum. The opossum generally attacks only one bird
at each visit. Usually, the bird’s abdomen has been eaten.
Eggs may also be the object of the opossum’s raid on the
chicken house.
Owl. The only likely culprit here is the great horned owl,
which does sometimes attack poultry. One or two birds are
usually killed, with the talons being used to pierce the brain.
The owl will usually eat only the head and neck. Feathers
found on a fence-post near the chicken house or pen may
provide an additional clue.
Fox-Coyote. The old sayings about the sly fox were not by
accident. The fox and the coyote are very smart and difficult to
catch in the act of raiding the flock. Since birds are frequently
carried away with little evidence left behind, the only way of
determining losses may be a head count. Visits from these
predators will usually be very early in the morning. Keeping
birds in a secure pen or poultry house until late morning is
good insurance against losses from a fox or coyote.
8204-2
Skunks. Skunks do not usually attack adult birds. They
may kill a few chicks and eat the abdomen. Eggs may also
be the targets. If skunks have been in the poultry house the
odor is usually a clue.
Humans. Unfortunately, there can be problems from
people as well as animals. If birds are missing with very little
evidence, particularly from a predator proof pen or house,
the possibility of humans being involved should not be overlooked.
Preventing Repeat Visits
Determining the identity of the predator is essential in
preventing repeat visits. Once identification has been made,
appropriate steps can be taken. Eliminating the point of entry
is the first deterrent and eliminating the source of the problem
by trapping or other means is the second. Trapping should
be done properly to minimize the chances of catching an
innocent animal. Seeking advice from a wildlife specialist is
desirable if individuals have no experience with trapping.
Again, prevention is the best solution to the predator
problem.
Oklahoma State University
