I don't know where to begin

[milola]

I was out of town for 5 days. I knew I was taking a big risk but I really had no choice. So yesterday I got home and the chickens were huddled together in the run. I did a head count and one was missing. Not unusual until I called for it to come out of the coop and nothing. So I look in the coop and there she is. On the poop board, dead. I was saddened but excepted my responsibility for the death. I remove her and fretted the whole night as to what had happened. I thought maybe a snake because there was no evidence of anything having come through the fencing. No sign of a struggle just some nervous survivors and the dead chicken. I free range them and have up till now had no problems. Fast forward to today. The remaining chickens are out. I left for a few hours and come back to three missing chickens. I look under the truck where they often hang out and there is one dead chicken and a little pile of feathers. No sign of the other missing two, and the one that was there was completely in tact just like the one yesterday. But the pile of feathers at least this time indicates a struggle. So I have no idea what is getting my chickens and sadly have to confine them to the coop until I can afford to make it as predator proof as possible. I am beside myself with guilt and know that they are going to be miserable without going out all day. Does anyone have any idea what could possibly be going after my chickens.?

 

[gamebirdsonly]

Hard to say. Since about everthing kills chickens. it could be any of these, dogs, cats, raccons, skunks, weasels, minks, foxes, coyotes, hawks, owls, snakes

 

[thomasboyle]

Sorry for your losses. I find the worst part of losing chickens and ducks is not knowing what did it. So I bought a trail camera, and now I see everything that comes for a visit. I am currently dealing with a bobcat, and the new trap just arrived, so I am hoping to catch him in the next day or two. I just picked up a 2nd trail cam (it becomes addicting to know what is lurking around), a top rated Browning model for under $100. If you get one, at least you will know what you are up against, and have a chance of making a strong defense. Good luck.