headless chickens, left for dead. Does anyone know what could be getting my birds?

[4-H chicken mom]

Hi and from Ohio. So glad you joined. So sorry for your loss. I know how you feel. I lost two birds right in their own run from a hawk, so now they have a heavy duty netting over their run.

 

[Andrewdp123]

Sorry for your loss...I have lost a couple to a hawk.

 

[Kevin565]

 

[mschreiner1]

hmmmm I didn't realize that owls hunt during the day. I thought they were nocturnal and slept all day. I just wish I could have seen what it was. I wish I could afford to have a sensor. It amazes me because my birds were only out one hour yesterday in the garden, but that one bird always flies out(over an 8ft fence). She was my fastest bird. Which is why she earned the name lightning. But she was our smallest bird (a Buttercup, my others are an astralorp, leg horns & a golden comet), probably the lightest one for flying predator to grab. Do hawks and owls only eat the head?? I know it's survival of the fittest out there, but to leave the whole body is just such a waste.

Btw am delighted to be a part of this forum. Very cool to have a place to answer all of my chicken needs. Thank you all! I really appreciate the feedback : )

 

[mschreiner1]

I haven't only lost this one. I started last spring with 16 birds. I didn't really mind as much when one or two where plucked off. I knew this was the price to pay for letting them free range on 4 acres. But when I got down to 9 I knew I had to be more careful. Then one evening last summer it was like a massacre. It was dusk and I walked outside and there were feathers everywhere. 3 birds just left for dead, heads in tact and then one bird the farthest from the coop decapitated. That evening they took our favorite rooster. My kids were so upset as was I. I was furious that the predator left them for dead. Some of them were just starting to lay. It was awful. That brought my flock down to 5. From there on out I have been pretty good about keeping them contained in the garden. It just stinks to lose anymore birds. They are all so tame following me around the property coming to be when called. Really so adorable. Such a bummer that I can't let them free range. They really love being out in the yard. Time to get that run built. Thank you all.

 

[Nslangton]

Where are you from? Coons, skunks, weasels and minks will all decapitate or go for the neck only. Birds of prey usually take the bird with them as will coyotes and foxes. They all will hunt at dusk and dawn and during the day if they have young to feed. Sorry that you are dealing with this. I hope you don't loose any more birds.

 

[mschreiner1]

Upstate NY. Thank you!

 

[sweetP12]

birds of prey who have plenty of food will kill birds and just eat the heads. something about the eyes and brain has somethng they want even if they are not hungry. Its like getting a finger of icing off a cake.

 

[drumstick diva]

I know foxes out here hunt at any time of day and night and they aren't rabid - they just got used to the opportunities neighborhoods provide, - pet food dishes left out, picnic debris left for the next day etc., I've seen a hawk kill a Cardinal and he ripped up everything, all that was left was the beak and feet& red feathers. It was probably just a light snack for him.

 

[sweetP12]

birds of prey will often attack in this mannor, Unfortunatley dogs will also bite the heads off leaving the rest of the chicken