Dead chickens everywhere!

[MarkoG]

Hi,

Out flock of 25 is missing. They're all young, maybe 15 or 20 weeks. Put them out to range and left for an hour. When I came home there are five dead birds scattered across the property. Not bloody. One is missing a head and one was dispatched by me. The rest of the flock is missing. We live up against a mountain. What killed our birds?!

 

[sourland]

Dogs will kill and leave bodies scattered around. Get you guns loaded, and keep your eyes open. 'It' may return, and hopefully some of your birds are in hiding and will come back. When scared into hiding, they will frequently return just at dusk.

 

[Naser]

Sorry for your loss, those things are the price we pay for free ranging, may be you need electric fence and more defense

 

[chickens really]

Fox also will do mass killing.....

 

[Howard E]

Most likely one or more dogs killed the birds you have found dead. You may get lucky and those that survived will come out of hiding later today.

Such is the risk if birds are allowed to truly free range with no confinement to keep them in or keep predators out. Sounds great......is great.......until they are killed.

 

[Howard E]

BTW, if it is dogs, and they come back, an alternative to all the drama involved in shooting them is a potent electric fence. Works to keep the birds in and predators out.

 

[Zoomie]

Very sorry for your loss. Also, welcome to BYC!

I agree it's most likely a dog or dogs. Here is hoping there are survivors, who are very well hidden so they can't "get got" by anything until they can make it home. Maybe go out looking for them, just in case you can spot them... be sure and check up in the trees. It's also worthwhile to do that after dark, with a flashlight (they say a red one is best) and you might be able to carry them back home. I will second the electric fence. That way, no matter WHAT it was, you will be protected.

 

[andreanar]

Did any of your birds make it home?

 

[MarkoG]

Did any of your birds make it home?

Yes! Although 7 are still unaccounted for

Thank you to everyone for your help.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Most likely one or more dogs killed the birds you have found dead. You may get lucky and those that survived will come out of hiding later today.

Such is the risk if birds are allowed to truly free range with no confinement to keep them in or keep predators out. Sounds great......is great.......until they are killed.

X2