HELP are they killing each other?

[momofchicks]

I had 25 meat birds and now I'm down to 19. I have been finding 1 or 2 dead birds every morning with what seems to be cuts at the neck or thigh area. One of two things is happening. One a predator is reaching in a cutting them, or two they are cutting each other trying to stay warm or something. Has this happened to any of you. I might not have any left by next Monday. What can I do?

 

[kinnip]

How much space do they have?

 

[PeeperKeeper]

Yes, some predators will reach into cages and try to drag them out even to the point of actually shredding the chicken through the wires. Raccoons, foxes, and I've had trouble with oppossum.

 

[momofchicks]

They have 24 sq. ft and 12 birds in each tractor. Well my DH went out there and one of their heads was eaten off. So it is some kind of predator. I have had a tarp over it for shade, so now I just need to make sure it's fastened down all around so they can't reach in.

 

[Acre of Blessings]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I hope you can get things fixed as to where you will lose no more.

 

[ChooksChick]

I'm certain a tarp, even fastened down around, will not really prevent a predator. If it wants a chicken dinner, the average predator will get through any chicken-wire, and will even dig down around, in many cases. You might search the board for post others have made regarding predators, because this is very common.

Good luck!

 

[Bassleg]

Can you put reg. chicken wire on the bottom so you have wire all around
and 3/8x3/8 wire on the sides this wouldn't take to long and if you move your
tractor everyday they can still feed.

 

[Cason]

I wouldn't rule out rats.

 

[skeeter]

Quote:
very true rats can do a lot of damage the stinken things

 

[NC chicken man]

coons will eat the head and necks and leave about everything else,just my 2 cents