Hens Dead, Pulled Out of Coop, Heads/Necks Missing

[LaraLou]

We live in a suburban neighborhood in NE Oklahoma. We have a fenced backyard. We have a coop, which we left open because our hens free range and we naively assumed predators wouldn't be as big of an issue in the city.

Last night, something got all six of our hens. The hens were in the coop last night. I found four bodies in our yard, pulled about 100 feet from the coop, toward the fence. Three of the four bodies have their heads and necks missing. One of the three headless bodies has a hole in the abdomen. One body has no visible damage. Two of the hens are unaccounted for, but I found evidence of their feathers in other areas of the yard, so I assume they're gone too.

We've had extra cold temps and recent snow. I found small prints in the snow, but I can't really ID them. Any ideas what we're dealing with? What would kill all six hens, pull them from the coop and eat just their heads?

Thanks.

 

[HEChicken]

Raccoon(s).

 

[D Kluck]

Raccoons most likely.

 

[BrickWall Honey]

Weasel

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

I would think Racoons. Good luck!

 

[worldrob]

My guess is Raccoons also, and once they have come they will keep coming back. Sorry for your loss, I know how disappointing that is.
Rob

 

[Bullitt]

We live in a suburban neighborhood in NE Oklahoma. We have a fenced backyard. We have a coop, which we left open because our hens free range and we naively assumed predators wouldn't be as big of an issue in the city.

Last night, something got all six of our hens. The hens were in the coop last night. I found four bodies in our yard, pulled about 100 feet from the coop, toward the fence. Three of the four bodies have their heads and necks missing. One of the three headless bodies has a hole in the abdomen. One body has no visible damage. Two of the hens are unaccounted for, but I found evidence of their feathers in other areas of the yard, so I assume they're gone too.

We've had extra cold temps and recent snow. I found small prints in the snow, but I can't really ID them. Any ideas what we're dealing with? What would kill all six hens, pull them from the coop and eat just their heads?

Thanks.

Did the animal dig under the fence?

I am guessing it was one or more raccoons that climbed over your backyard fence. Raccoons live in cities also.

 

[LaraLou]

Did the animal dig under the fence?

I am guessing it was one or more raccoons that climbed over your backyard fence. Raccoons live in cities also.

We have a chain link fence. I imagine they just climbed right over. :-\ I never imagined a raccoon killing my entire flock. I knew wild animals live in the city too, just didn't realize raccoons could be so vicious to a flock. Lesson learned.

We set a live trap last night. We'll see if we catch the culprit. Until then, time to start planning my new flock.

 

[cochinator]

Take a picture of the tracks if they are still there and post them.

 

[LaraLou]

Take a picture of the tracks if they are still there and post them.

Unfortunately, the snow melted away before I could get a good picture of them.