Do bobcats kill more than they can eat?

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. Individual predators may have varying kill patterns. In general bobcats are snatch and run predators - they grab one bird and leave. Bobcats that are less fearful of humans or those that enter a pen of flapping birds that incites their killing instincts are very likely to kill more than one bird - even an entire flock.

 

[MeepBeep]

When the feline 'hunt/kill' frenzy kicks in they will most certainly kill more then they need in that frenzy when the 'easy' opportunity presents itself...

In the wild, where hunting and killing prey is difficult and time consuming there is generally little reason or desire for them to kill for sport as it's simply a wasted effort...

BUT, in an enclosed space like a coop or run full of chickens that easy opportunity to kill multiple targets is pretty much a given, and it's not uncommon for a bobcat to decimate many or all birds and only eat the prime meat or drag off a single carcass...

 

[Halimah]

Thanks for all the welcome messages, commiseration, and suggestions! Yes, we'll probably reactivate our electric fence around the perimeter of the chicken yard. For now we're keeping our remaining 4 locked inside the coop. Odd that we've put the dead chickens out for feasting by any big cats, coyotes or raccoons, but there have been no takers after 3 days.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC & Merry Christmas!

 

[ChickyChickens]

Welcome to BYC!!! The members here are great and so are their chickens!!! This is the BEST CHICKEN KEEPING FORUM ON EARTH!!!!

Hope you have fun and if you need anything we are here to help!!