Good post by
@swamphiker .
I'm not opposed to permanently removing predators actively hunting your area, it reduces the predator pressure. I recently legally permanently removed a raccoon and two possum. But then I saw a third possum in the area when I was out at night. Removing them reduces hunting pressure but does not eliminate it.
@jenns anipals I have no idea what your local laws are about trapping certain animals, let alone how to legally dispose of them. In many locations it is illegal to kill them or even relocate them. I suggest you talk to your local animal control about that. But that assumes you know what the predator is. That is not always that easy to determine. If you don't know what the problem is then it can be really hard to deal with.
There are many different suggestions to keep predators away, I've tried many of them. Special soaps or predator urine for example. I've never tried fake owls but
@BigBlueHen53 's story sounds about right. Sometimes they may work for a short time but the critters quickly learn that it is not a real threat. Sometimes (like the soap) they didn't work at all.
The best way to protect your chickens are barriers. I don't know what your coop or run look like, what is getting them, or when so it is hard to give specific recommendations. If you could provide better information and maybe photos of your set-up we might be better able to help. What do the carcasses look like? What kind of injuries and are they eaten or partially eaten? When are they taken? I understand how frustrating this can be but I can't help much without knowing what you are working with in regard to coop and run and what is actually happening.
