Headless Chickens

[4estgump]

I have a neighbor that found 2 of his hens dead. The strange thing the heads were chewed off at the neck, but they were not eat. Has anyone had this happen. Any help will be great.
Thank You 4est

 

[Zahboo]

I THINK raccoons do that

 

[chickensioux]

Yes, raccoons. They like the brains.

 

[Bizzybirdy]

RACOONS!

 

[kuntrygirl]

I lost about 10 chickens the same way about 6 months ago.

 

[kycowgirlchick]

I lost a peacock to that. I was like how could something eat his head off without him jumping up. Because it literally looked like he was sitting there. But I found that I had rats and did not know it. I took care of my rat problem and have not seen it since.

 

[ThornyRidge]

yup racoons.. such wasteful vermin!!! I have lost many a hen and roo to the coons.. wow surprised could sneak up on a peacock thoughh..

 

[Mom2Cool]

a weasel will do that. I actually caught one in the act of doing that & it had gotten 2 different pullets. everything else seemed perfectly fine in the chicken enclosure I'd had them in & nothing else could have gotten in or out without any damage. Was it day time or night time? A racoon is going to be working nights & they can open anything that a 5 yr. old kid can. But I think a racoon would eat them too not just the head. They'll pile up the bones nice & neat for your. The weasel will get into the smallest of spots even through chicken wire....

 

[Mom2Cool]

Quote:
I would think yours are the opposums that are visitng you.

 

[kuntrygirl]

Quote:
I would think yours are the opposums that are visitng you.

whoops, uh oh. i never thought about that. well looks like i may have to X them from my visitors list then. i'm glad u brought that to my attention. i need to get right on that. thanks!