*graphic* what predator attacks like this

[Axalea]

Came out this morning before work to feed my 16 year old brothers chickens before work, saw the rooster had been killed, looked like it was pulled through the fence and head torn off. Whatever predator killed it was able to move the 20-30 lb yellow metal grate my brother put up on the side of the coop to prevent this. As you can see the roosters hen in the back is still alive. Whatever it was the rooster put up a fight because this rooster is known to attack anything that comes near it except us when we feed/water them. (Also I’m aware there is no hardware cloth, when he built the coop I made it clear he needed to use it but he said the welded wire would be just fine)

Any information/suggestions/advice would be appreciated greatly

 

[SilverBirds]

Pulled through the fence is usually the work of a raccoon. It is very likely the raccoon(s) will come back knowing there is more food so your brother should look into getting some hardwire cloth today or ASAP or finding another solution to covering the fence.

 

[Axalea]

Pulled through the fence is usually the work of a raccoon. It is very likely the raccoon(s) will come back knowing there is more food so your brother should look into getting some hardwire cloth today or ASAP or finding another solution to covering the fence.

He also does not store food in containers he just sprinkles it on the ground, could that be attracting the raccoon

 

[SilverBirds]

He also does not store food in containers he just sprinkles it on the ground, could that be attracting the raccoon

It is possible as they are opportunistic feeders. That method of feeding can also attract rodents which will attract other types of predators.

 

[WhatsUpDuck]

My first thought was raccoon too It will come back if it knows they are unprotected..it's an easy food source for it, and raccoons are hungry as well. I'm sorry that is so sad to find.


LORD JESUS is KING of kings and LORD of lords

 

[Pukkits]

I'm sorry for the loss of such a brave rooster. Like the others, I agree this was likely a racoon. They are the most common "grab and pull" attackers.

My dad knew a family with a pet racoon when he was a teenager. He said you had to be insanely careful what you held or had in your pockets that a racoon might want if you were anywhere near it. It was not a violent animal, but it's incredible strength could easily hurt a person.

The other comments are also spot on that it will come back. Please implement protection for any remaining birds before dusk.

 

[microchick]

Definitely looks like the work of a racoon to me. Neighbor had one pull his young birds' heads through the chicken wire fence and decapitate them.

Racoon will be back and racoon needs to go. I use a live trap when one fools around my run/coop, then dispatch it to wherever racoons go when they get a shot of 'lead-a-cillin'. I never catch and release. Just turns my problem into somebody else's.

If it's in the budget, an electric 'hot wire' fence will stop predation by just about everything that has a hankering for a chicken dinner. My run is chain link and so far, after 10 years keeping chickens I've never lost a bird to a racoon.

Sorry for the loss of the rooster. Looks like he died doing his job.