I came home form school yesterday to find my flock very upset and found a pile of feathers in the yard. Upon closer inspection I also realized that one of splash cochins and bearded bantam cochins was also missing. I found one of my girls pretty badly mangled, but thankfully living. She's inside the house now. She was definitely in shock when I brought her inside. I found my splash cochin this morning deceased but not eaten, and still no sign of the other little lady. Any clues as to what could be coming in during the day killing and maiming my birds. I have had problems with dogs but this critter is coming in from behind my property. I haven't seen any tracks and have been out at night several times hunting the critter. It appears to attack during the day. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. coachhaze60 in NC
Sounds like a dog. You could try putting out a trap. Most other animals except hawks strike at night. A coyote might strike during the day if given the chance.
What about a fox? I don't know much about foxes, have never seen a live one myself, and thought they were nocturnal, but within the past two weeks both my parents and DBF each saw one in their yards during the day. Sorry for your loss and hope you find out what it is!
I have, on rare occasion, seen coons attack during the day. They are clever that way. BUT- if you see a coon out during the day, don't approach it! Shoot it if you must, but don't touch it! Call animal control or the state wildlife folks- they will want to test it for rabies.
DOG....... if it was a FOX/bobcat.. nothing would be found,,except a few feathers.. not a PILE of feathers.. BANTIES???? no tracks??? NOT in a coop!!???....bird of prey??? owl/hawk ???
owls can hunt during the day and a hawk or eagle always hunts int the day...If there are no tracks look to the sky....
....but.. birds of prey usually steal ONE chicken at a time.. one chicken a day.. i have never seen or heard of a pird of prey taking a whole flock in a few hours.... i still think it sounds like a dog....
I concur-- especially since dogs often view chix as "playthings" as opposed to food-- so will kill more than one, and pull off all the feathers..... So sorry!!!!! If ya catch the mutt-- find the owner and charge em!!!
