I cannot figure out what predator is killing my chickens *graphic pic*

[shifu]

Here is what one of my hens looks like after this predator was done with it. The predator is able to jump down into the pen. It kills during the daylight hours when the chickens are in the run. I am thinking it is either a bobcat or a raccoon. Has anyone experienced this before? FYI 6 ft high hardware wire fence with a live wire embedded in it every 2 feet. .

 

[DaveMorey]

My first thought is a raccoon. I have lost a number of chickens to them over the years. They never seem to eat the whole thing and generally just make a mess of the bird. Have you been able to find any trace of tracks? If there are trees that the animal could climb up and circumvent the fence this could be the way in. Raccoon's are generally more crafty and able to find ways around our best defenses.

 

[Bullitt]

Here is what one of my hens looks like after this predator was done with it. The predator is able to jump down into the pen. It kills during the daylight hours when the chickens are in the run. I am thinking it is either a bobcat or a raccoon. Has anyone experienced this before? FYI 6 ft high hardware wire fence with a live wire embedded in it every 2 feet. .

Where do you live?

Is the predator jumping from something into the run or just crawling over the fence? Live wire? Is that electric wire?

You may have to put a net or something over your run to stop this. Maybe a dog that is kept close to the run would stop it.

 

[boskelli1571]

Wow! Sorry to see such an unhappy sight. In reading through Storeys' chicken book, the best I can come up with is either possum or - more likely a hawk. Is it possible for a hawk to fly down into the pen?? An electric fence would not be a deterrent to an aerial attack. If so, stringing some twine or wire across the top of the enclosure to inhibit the 'fly path' would almost certainly stop the attacks. Good luck! Sue

 

[yinepu]

Wow! Sorry to see such an unhappy sight. In reading through Storeys' chicken book, the best I can come up with is either possum or - more likely a hawk. Is it possible for a hawk to fly down into the pen?? An electric fence would not be a deterrent to an aerial attack. If so, stringing some twine or wire across the top of the enclosure to inhibit the 'fly path' would almost certainly stop the attacks. Good luck! Sue

Without more info.. I vote Hawk....