dead chickens

[sens-5]

i was wondering if someone could help me on what`s killing my chickens..its been 2 days that when i enter the coop i have dead chickens 2 yesterday and 6 today the all have bloody necks some are missing just the head the rest stays there what that could be...i was wondering if rats would do this...it cant be anything big because there is no way they can go in.there might be some tiny holes i would say approx 1 inch..also it seems like only the black ones get killed.the white hens are still all there...hopefully someone can give me some idea on what it could be and also what i could do to prevent this? thanks in advance

 

[lorieMN]

sounds like a weasle/mink to me..you will need to trap it or kill it as it will keep coming back until they are all gone

 

[theFox]

A raccoon will reach through a small opening and try to pull a bird through that opening.

A weasel can get through a small opening and kill a lot of chickens at a time.

A mink needs a larger opening than a weasel.

You need to really look that coop over for holes both in the walls, roof, and especially the floor.

Also all of the ventilation should be covered with nothing larger than 1/2 inch metal cloth.

 

[sens-5]

thanks for all the help i would beleive its a weasel as a raccon cant get in and a mink also cant get in i look online for weasel and there saying they will attack on the back of the neck hopefully i can get it..is there any suggestion on how to kill or catch a weasel????

 

[pharmchickrnmom]

We caught ours in a havaheart trap. Most people bait them with the dead chicken carcass. The one we caught just happened to wander into it. It will NOT be returning. They are very cute but very nasty creatures.

 

[Kyle E]

It sounds like a weasel, I've had the same thing happen to me, weasel got in took the birds heads and left the bodys. I think either trap it or what with a light till it goes to strike again and shoot it.

 

[sens-5]

thanks again

 

[sens-5]

you guys were right about a weasel..just got it this morning with a trap hopefully theres no more but wont take any chance lost approx. 23 chickens thanks for all the help folks

 

[Stonerowfarm]

So sorry about all your losses but at least you got the little bugger. Keep setting traps - just in case. 22 is a high loss.

 

[theFox]

Quote:
Male territories overlap several female's territories but during other than mating season they won't tolerate each other

Female territories do not overlap with another female.

Weasels are rather antisocial.