Dead Chicken Mystery Solved (Picts)

[drumstick diva]

I don't think he'll make it even after his chicken dinner, looks like all his fur is gone - maybe mangy or just malnutrition.

 

[speckledhen]

You should read this story by Cetawin about her experience with a coyote. It's a good read! Definitely not always nocturnal!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=521876


Yup, that coyote in the pic is in bad shape.

 

[openheartnp]

Unfortunately i had a hen ataken by a coyote (we think-only feathers left) at 10:30 in the morning. I am now ALWAYS on my guard when my chickies are out! Sorry for your losses!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Quote:
Great story speckledhen, I don't think i could have chickens without the roos. they are the best.

 

[farmdude]

Sorry for your loss, but I can't help feeling sorry for that coyote. Hope you get rain soon!
Quote:

 

[newchick13]

We have a ton of coyotes here in NY, and two inparticular who roam around my property. They look remarkably healthy (i guess life is good up here in Westchester) but have yet to try to get into my run. I see them most during the early morning hours, which for me is 7am. From what I understand about them is they are not nocturnal, but like to hunt during the early morning and dusk.

 

[iluvsedward]

wow that thing is skin and bone! no wonder its eating your chickens!!

 

[jojo@rolling acres farm]

That animal looks like it has mange you can really tell by the tail, dull coat and it is so under weight! The coyote population here in our area has died out due to mange over the last several years. The fox population has mange too. Unfortunately, word has it that they are all making a come back and the recent flooding in this region has pushed new critters our way. I'm hoping they all stay away and settle elsewhere.

OP I'm sorry you lost your chickens - but glad you have an answer. That particular answer doesn't look like he'll be around very long.

Good luck to you.

Joni

 

[woodmort]

Remember coyotes are territorial and, while they will let some of their young hang around, they will also drive the older ones out of their territory if the prey aren't there to support them. I suspect the one in the picture is between homes. I have 4 game cams set up to keep an eye on the critters around here and lately have been seeing an odd male coyote at different times of the day and night--no question that is a male as I have pics of him marking. We have a mature pair that hunts mainly at night and are usually together so I suspect this guy is trying to snatch meals without being run off. He is also skinnier than the pair--who are very robust (also their summer coat makes them look thinner too). I suspect he'll hang around as long as he can get a meal so if you can keep him away from your chickens he'll soon get discouraged and move on.

 

[Cetawin]

Nocturnal my butt...I see them all the time during the day around the highway no less, one snatched a bird within 10' of my front porch around 11ish am. Biologist need to re-write the coyote profile.