Horrifying find in a closed coop

[Wynbreaker]

Chicken mystery
3 dead chickens this morning in the closed up coop.
All with neck trauma (blood, lacerations, body in stressed positions contorted)
I can’t see where or how something got in. All the girls that are dead are my oldest (5years)
No tracks around the coop (there’s snow on the ground)
No apparent openings, my husband built the Taj Mahal of chicken coops!
Run door closed and difficult to open I have to use a pry board to lift it.
All the girls up on the nesting rungs very willing to get the heck out of there this morning and didn’t come back in.
I’m at a complete loss and feeling a little horrified and puzzled.

 

[Fishkeeper]

Weasel, probably. You're looking for tiny holes, the size of a quarter or so, and they can burrow under the snow.

 

[LoveMyChickenBabies]

Weasel, probably. You're looking for tiny holes, the size of a quarter or so, and they can burrow under the snow.

X2

 

[Eggcessive]

Do you have window screen that has chicken wire or something with 1 inch openings? It does sound like a weasel unfortunately. So sorry for your loss. I would bring them inside to a basement or garage tonite if possible until you find where the weasel got inside.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi, hope you are enjoying BYC!

Sorry for your loss.

I agree with others that it was likely something in the weasel family... as stated they can get through a quarter size whole. 1/2 inch hardware cloth is effective.

Hang in there!

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet chickens! Bear hugs!