help

[kristip]

ok at 2 in the morning I hear a ruccous out in the backyard coop and my girls are all there at the door making noise. My sweet silkie is laying there torn to shreds. Not sure what got in... I dont see any obvious holes.... the other chickens would not behead and dewing her would they? Most seem agitated and most wont roost right now. I removed the body and secured everything better for the night. in shock...

i should add... i did hear a sound like a snort, kinda like a horse makes but quieter out there... and it is a full moon..

 

[Leah S]

so sorry to hear!
she was torn up and beheaded? sounds like a raccoon to me. Happened to two of my ladies too. Sorry to hear

Do want to say that if it is a raccoon and there is one torn apart, you mat be dealing with more than one (they were fighting over the kill and pulled it apart). icky, I know.
Try trapping, has worked for us. Lots of good advise here on how to trap them.

 

[kristip]

is it normal for the other chicks to be picking up her feathers or chewing on them? looks wierd, but 2 of the birds seem to be doing that. Can someone confirm that another chicken could not do this... I dont think they would be strong enough.

Coon could climb up to the top half of the screen that needs a little repair. Not a huge opening, but something that could climb could get in.

 

[greymane]

My guess is the sound you heard was a buck out for his evening rounds and challenging you being in "his" territory. Sorry for your loss.

 

[sourland]

She was not killed by your other chickens, and it is time to get a box trap. The predator will return. That's guaranteed.

 

[gamebirdboy]

Fix the coop, set traps, and wait. All you can do at this point...