Did my dogs kill the chickens or something else?

[A_Fowl_Guy]

I had a photo somewhere of the coyote I caught right by our fence. It was the strangest thing, it had NO fear of the light and didn't move away until it saw me. Usually lights on deter them but he looked like he was ready to hop over the fence, Misa was even barking at him and he didn't go away. I've never seen a coyote so unphased by all that

Lights won’t deter any predator. That is an old tale.

 

[Sorrelfur]

Lights won’t deter any predator. That is an old tale.

The ones by us usually left us alone when we had lights on, light clockwork whenever the lights weren't one they were having a field day. But that was awhile ago so maybe it was just coincidence or one predator that happened to not like the light idk..

 

[Sorrelfur]

My duck I worry about alot he is supposed to be in our big enclosure with the geese at night but he keeps getting out. We think he's like somehow not flying really but getting another height to get out. So I need to clip his wings but I'm worried as ive never done it before. I would put him in the temp enclosure with the younger ducks but they're still just slightly smaller than him that he picks on them

 

[Sorrelfur]

I have a picture of what I found this morning, I'm extremely sorry if this image upsets anyone

 

[Cryss]

If your birds won't go inside at night they probably never realised it was their home. Lock them inside for at least 3 days, more if needed. They will learn it is home and feel comfortable and safe so when they finally are let out they will return when it gets dark. If they still don't return they need another 3 or so days locked in.
If your birds can get through an opening so can many predators. If they are too large they can at least get paws inside to grab a bird. Raccoons are very adept at opening "locked" doors. I use caribineers to lock my doors, and I use multiple locks on bigger doors so edges can't be pulled loose.
I truly don't believe it was your dogs. I'm so sorry to hear about this predator attack. Good luck with your remaining birds.

 

[Henriettamom919]

I trapped a forty pound raccoon (took a couple shots to the head) who was trying to eat my girls, lucky I lock them up every night, a fox is watching now, so far no attempts, I live a suburb, I think the fox gets scared off by mowers and people noise. The hens have my entire enclosed garden (originally to keep deer OUT). I have 6 very spoiled hens.

I have a similar set up for our pullets and a secure coop/semi secure run for my bigger girls. We've had no losses yet

I hope you can fortify whatever needs it to keep your girls safe and I'm very sorry for your losses

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

If your birds won't go inside at night they probably never realised it was their home. Lock them inside for at least 3 days, more if needed. They will learn it is home and feel comfortable and safe so when they finally are let out they will return when it gets dark. If they still don't return they need another 3 or so days locked in.
If your birds can get through an opening so can many predators. If they are too large they can at least get paws inside to grab a bird. Raccoons are very adept at opening "locked" doors. I use caribineers to lock my doors, and I use multiple locks on bigger doors so edges can't be pulled loose.
I truly don't believe it was your dogs. I'm so sorry to hear about this predator attack. Good luck with your remaining birds.

A good rule of thumb is if a five year old can open it, so can a raccoon. They are definitely stronger than they look.

 

[Sorrelfur]

If your birds won't go inside at night they probably never realised it was their home. Lock them inside for at least 3 days, more if needed. They will learn it is home and feel comfortable and safe so when they finally are let out they will return when it gets dark. If they still don't return they need another 3 or so days locked in.
If your birds can get through an opening so can many predators. If they are too large they can at least get paws inside to grab a bird. Raccoons are very adept at opening "locked" doors. I use caribineers to lock my doors, and I use multiple locks on bigger doors so edges can't be pulled loose.
I truly don't believe it was your dogs. I'm so sorry to hear about this predator attack. Good luck with your remaining birds.

I'm going to close the hole and start putting them in at night. They used to go in their pen at night but suddenly stopped wanting to come in. Most would go in but a few stragglers refused and would run off to hide in the fields. I think now with only four hens lefts they'll all go in, I hope. Our coop door has two locks on it, one it like a sliding lock? If that makes sense

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

I'm going to close the hole and start putting them in at night. They used to go in their pen at night but suddenly stopped wanting to come in. Most would go in but a few stragglers refused and would run off to hide in the fields. I think now with only four hens lefts they'll all go in, I hope. Our coop door has two locks on it, one it like a sliding lock? If that makes sense

Raccoons can open that bolt latch. Try using a latch and lock.

 

[Sorrelfur]

A good rule of thumb is if a five year old can open it, so can a raccoon. They are definitely stronger than they look.

I'll admit raccoons never even crossed my mind! I do have a nephew around five, I might watch him for a day and see if he can open they're coop door.