EMERGENCY HELP!

[Rivka]

would that account for the feathers being all over then pen? Racoon for sure would be a possibility but how the pen is set up I cannot see a racoon getting to her. Her chickens were super feisty and would hardly let anyone or anything come near. Totally a possibility though.

 

[mediazeal]

If the chickens would stay in the middle they may be out of reach but lots of times they will huddle up against a fence or wall.

 

[Rivka]

That is true. My personal ones do that... but we cant figure out how one is missing. They have had plenty of chances to dig out but there isnt any sign of that anywhere.

 

[highcountrychickens]

What you have described is absolutely quintessential owl predation. We see this a lot with grouse and have friends who have lost hens this way. Is there some sort of screen on the top of your coop?

I'm so sorry this happened!

 

[Judy]

Weasel, coon, possum, skunk, owl are all feasible. Released pets also: skunk, ferret, dog, cat -- who knows what else.

Good luck.

 

[Mom2Cool]

Quote:
There were a LOT of feathers around the pullet I found dead & headless. Again this weasel must have been a baby because we'd seen it 1st in the yard & really it wasn't larger than a chipmunk. He must have tried like heck to get the chicken head out of the enclosure, but he couldn't & yet I watched him go in & out with ease... what really struck me with your description was that there were no holes big enough for something the size of a racoon to get in & so unless there's no top to it then there's no way it could be a Owl either & I would think an owl like a hawk would just take the entire chicken.

 

[stormhasit]

I am dealing with this now as well - dead headless birds. Three dead in less than 24 hours. I believe I have it narrowed down here as a Possom. Its coming in thru the rafters (will be sealed up ASAP) and it now sees my coop as its own personal convenience store.

I am going tomorrow morning to pick up a live trap and I will be baiting with both wet and dry cat food.

I'll let you know when I get it (If) and in the meantime - I'm trying to check on the birds FREQUENTLY! Thier coop is not far from my window so I also am listening close!