East Mesa: Something is getting my chickens

[djgonzales]

We have kept chickens for years and got about a dozen chicks earlier this Spring. They stay in a coop at night and forage in our big fenced yard during the day. Some of the smaller chicks have been squeezing out of the coop early in the morning before we open the gate. This morning around 7am I found the head of a hen and some feathers, and three dead adolescent chickens. We checked all around the fence but didn't see fur or digging marks. This evening just before sunset we found three more freshly killed chickens. What's going on? Any coyote sightings in this area recently? Are you having the same experience? We're near the 202 and University.

 

[drumstick diva]

your chickens may not be squeezing thru the fence, if you aren't using 1/2" hardware cloth - raccoons, etc. may be pulling them thru the fence. That is their m.o. and they are great at it. If they can't drag the whole bird thru, they will eat off anything they can reach. They cause horrific damage and suffering. Maybe hawks are getting the escapees.

A coyote or fox would grab the birds and take them home. Please check out the predator section of BYC. If you free range you have to expect casualties because everything loves chicken, and once they find an easy lunch they(and friends) will be back for more. Even in a fenced run, you need to beef it up like Ft.Knox to protect your flock unless you have a livestock guardian dog.

If you go to "where am I, where are You." you can find your state thread and post there also. You'll probably find others in your area and they can give specific info. about your locale, predators, how they handle them, security measures etc.

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, djgonzales, and

! Great to have you aboard! Sorry to hear about your chicken losses. I tend to think raccoon as well. As drumstick said - foxes or coyotes will dash off with their prize. Get a live trap and bait it with some catfood and I'll bet you'll have Mr. Raccoon the next morning. Good luck to you!

 

[DDNONIN2016]

Hello and welcome.....so glad you joined BYC

Hope you find the chicken murderer soon. Good luck to you

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Hi and Welcome to BYC!!!

Glad to have you aboard!!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us!