Dead free range chickens

krazytrain6 · Apr 5, 2017

So the past two months we've lost 4 chickens to "something" They are free range, locked in coop at night, out in morning just after sunrise, all kills except 1 incident(x2 dead) were single kils. Found out in the open, most discovered between opening the coop in morning to about mid day, small puncture wounds to upper neck area. Two birds had feathers pulled from body but that could have been subsequent to the kill after having been sitting out until discovered.1 additional chicken was "mortally wounded" from an attack, it's crop and upper chest area was exposed but still alive, had to put her down. None of the birds had any meat eaten from bodies. They share the barnyard with 3 doe boer goats so doubt anything large is killing the chickens as it is not bothering the goats. We live in central Texas.

Thanks in advance.

redsoxs · Apr 5, 2017

Greetings from Kansas, krazytrain, and ! Pleased you joined our community! Sorry about your losses...the trials of free ranging. Here are a couple links that might help you out:
This one talks about various predators, method of kill, etc. https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/chicken-predators-pests-how-to-protect-treat-your-flock
This one discusses free ranging: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/deciding-to-free-range-your-flock
And you can post questions in the predator forum here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/13/predators-and-pests
Finally, if you'd like to chat with fellow TX poultry folks, find your state thread in the link below and say hello:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/270925/find-your-states-thread
Best wishes identifying and dealer with the culprit! Best wishes and thanks for joining BYC!

drumstick diva · Apr 5, 2017

Sounds like weasel or mink. Do you have any water source around (pond, stream etc.)? they like that. The weasels like to drink the blood, and also kill for the fun of it.
By the act of free ranging - you have to accept some losses., as par for the course. If not, keep them in a predator proof run with cover. You can also post on the predator threads for more info and advice.

Teila · Apr 5, 2017

G’Day from down under krazytrain6 Welcome!

Sorry, not having the same type of predators as you, I am not able to assist with identifying the culprit but I am so very sorry for your loss