Entire flock found dead UPDATE post 23

[joesmania]

Erased by me

 

[Chickenfan4life]

I am so sorry for your loss! That is so horrible!

 

[lizrndiver]

UPDATE a little graphic

I was able to get out and take a good look at everything as I cleaned up the bodies yesterday.

Two had been partial eaten. Flesh was missing off the backs. One had a broken leg. All the others had no marks that I could see.

I checked their heads closely. A few birds (and maybe the killer) had actually dented the fencing and there were lots of loose feathers in those areas.

All my active layers still had bright red combs, so I don't think they were bled out by a weasel.

I had posted about the loss on Facebook. Late yesterday afternoon, a neighbor who saw my post recalled seeing a dog in our area that he thought had caught a wild turkey. He saw it carrying a large brown or black bird. I know suspect that it was this dog and the "turkey" was a larger Orpington. I'm pretty sure many dogs could get over a 6 foot fence if their prey drive was in full swing.

Do you agree?

If I can verify this, at least I know what I am dealing with. I feel bad because it was probably an easy task for the dog to take out the whole bunch.

Liz

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

I agree with your conclusion. How do you plan to rid yourself of this nusaince?

 

[CluckyCharms]

My suggestion would be to not share with anyone how you plan to rid the nuisance, if you catch my drift.

So sorry this happened.

 

[Chickenfan4life]

I'd trap the dog, find it's owners and warn them, or get a shotgun. I may be young, but considering how many times I've lost chickens to a dog, I know that if you get more chickens, you will lose that entire flock as well.

I am so sorry for your loss. I know how you feel, and I wish you didn't have to go through this. That's why you must take action now! If you get more chickens, their whole lives depend entirely on you! It is up to you to make the right decision. I would go with trapping the dog, since that gives him a chance. He doesn't realize he did anything wrong.

Once again, I am so very sorry for your loss. It must be a terribly hard time for you right now. I am sorry I cannot give you words of comfort, but I hope my words of advice will help.

*Lots of Internet hugs*

 

[1muttsfan]

You might consider a game cam - what chickenwrangler said was true, what you catch now may not be the original killer.

I am so sorry to hear about your losses. If you decide to restock, you might also consider a hot wire around the bottom and top on the outside of your fence to discourage further predation.

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

I was also thinking electric fence, or barb wire. I shoot any strays I see on my property,which is sop here. but they may strike when your not around.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Quote: I have a hound that can climb a 6 ft fence almost as fast as I can put him in and shut the door

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Quote: Electric works,
Barbed wire is no deterrent at all