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

[maureenb59]

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]

Thank you for the information and your thoughtful, comforting words.

 

[rjohns39]

Predators are creative in their own right. I had a hospital cage, in the dog run for recovering birds... I watched a tiny little hawk pickup corn fines left behind by the deer (yes I feed my deer) and sit atop the cage and drop them out away from the cage. When the bird in the cage reached out to grab some she left with its head.

A game cam is a great investment for your sanity. I've seen raccoons open more than one latch on the game cam. Before that I was convinced that I left the door open. Predators are good at what they do and everyone loves chicken.

 

[TexasSam]

If I can see the remains I might be able to tell you what you are looking for

 

[sourland]

Hopefully your hens are better today, and the predator has not returned. Good luck in protecting your birds.