Help! 4 of my six hens were killed by a predator

[maureenb59]

Thank you. I did not secure the latch, thats how it got in. I feel awful. The hens that were killed were totally mutilated and scattered all over the yard. It must have been something very vicious or more than one. My yard is completely fenced in, so I don't know what it was.

 

[maureenb59]

Howdy and Happy to have you join the family, wish it was under better curcumstances. Enjoy your time here. Check out the "predators" page, lots of helpful ideas to keep your birds safe.

 

[maureenb59]

Thank you. I will check out the predator page.

 

[junebuggena]

Thank you. I did not secure the latch, thats how it got in. I feel awful. The hens that were killed were totally mutilated and scattered all over the yard. It must have been something very vicious or more than one. My yard is completely fenced in, so I don't know what it was.

Sounds like a group of raccoons. They are generally known to tear birds apart.

 

[maureenb59]

Hi and welcome to BYC We're so thrilled you've decided to join us But we really do wish it were under better circumstances. Can you post pictures of the crime scene as well as the break-in point?

Hi and welcome to BYC We're so thrilled you've decided to join us But we really do wish it were under better circumstances. Can you post pictures of the crime scene as well as the break-in point?

 

[maureenb59]

Thank you. I can't post photos because we cleaned everything up. I didn't want the two survivors exposed to the bloody scene any longer than necessary.

 

[drumstick diva]

raccoons have apposable thumbs and can open any latch people can. They are extremely bright and determined, they are great diggers or can jump down from tree branches and get into runs. Also if there are large openings in the wire, they just reach in and bite off any body part they can snag. They cause hideous injuries, even to birds, they haven't killed.

Poultry wire will never keep predators out, they can slice through it like butter. Best to use 1/2" hardware cloth. Cost more, lasts longer, and is not easy to damage.

 

[maureenb59]

raccoons have apposable thumbs and can open any latch people can. They are extremely bright and determined, they are great diggers or can jump down from tree branches and get into runs. Also if there are large openings in the wire, they just reach in and bite off any body part they can snag. They cause hideous injuries, even to birds, they haven't killed.

Poultry wire will never keep predators out, they can slice through it like butter. Best to use 1/2" hardware cloth. Cost more, lasts longer, and is not easy to damage.

 

[N F C]

Welcome to BYC, I'm so sorry for the circumstances that brought you here. That was a big loss and upsetting but don't blame yourself, accidents happen to everyone.

Here are a couple of links that might help you find more information and so you can meet other members in your area (they might have area-specific info to share):
Chicken Predators & Pests - How To Protect & Treat Your Flock
find-your-states-thread.270925

Best wishes to you!

 

[maureenb59]

I never thought raccoons could do that much damage. My husband built the coop and he didn't use poultry wire. He used 26 gauge fencing wire. Thank you for writing, because I really do think now, because of all the responses, that it probably was raccoons.