I lost my flock today. What kind of predator?

[mcclucker]

There were also piles of feathers everywhere. There was a definite struggle with most of them.

 

[Flamens Farm]

I am so sorry for your families loss. During and after Hurricane Hugo I lost a flock of 50 not only to the weather but to stray dogs as well. My pen and fence were destroyed and there was no way to secure them. I truly feel your pain and hope you find out what killed them.

 

[Sofia Salazar]

bodies everywhere. Broken necks, lots of feathers everywhere, but very little blood. I couldn’t tell how it got into the fenced yard. No torn fencing, no holes. Fence was 4’ wire.

Two flew out and escaped, 11 dead. I’m in northern New England bordering a forested area. Fischer? Weasel? Some of the had gnaw marks on the belly and missing feathers but only one had blood.

It didn’t even take any to eat!! They are all accounted for. Ages from 2 years to 3 months

So sorry for you lost. The same happened to me 3 months ago. I would call my daughter to let the chickens out when she came home from school around 3pm so they would free range for a couple of hours before I got home. They used to free range at least 3 to four hours every day until the day lost my entire flock but 3 to a fox. I call cackle the next day and started a new flock. The fox comes every morning. However, they only free range on my guard. It’s very tormenting but that is the only way I can keep them safe.

 

[Duckhatcher123]

Sounds like owls

 

[Howard E]

Basically three classes of predators who would kill that many birds at one time. Dogs, coons and weasels (or one of the weasel cousins).

With weasels, they generally operate at night and MO is to find a bunch of dead birds, with bites to the head and back of the neck. Perhaps some heads missing. Not much damage to the rest of the carcass. With minks, they might also stack all the dead birds up like cord wood.

Coons maybe.....this time of year parents with kids in tow may move in and kill a bunch.....kids being taught how to hunt, so may kill a bunch just for practice. Normally this all happens at night.....although a few days back I saw a perfectly healthy and HUGE coon out and about at 3 PM and a long way from any cover. No clue what it was doing there.

So that leaves dogs. As described, that is your most likely candidate.

 

[MROO]

There were also piles of feathers everywhere. There was a definite struggle with most of them.

Dogs shake their "toys" once they have a good hold on them. Feathers would definitely fly!

 

[williamsingr12]

Weasel family easily squeeze in n out

 

[Mach 1 Padilla]

Agree with everyone else that it sounds like dogs did it. Bury chicken wire 5"-1' under the current fence and add 2 lines of barb wire 5" from the top of the fence and each other to increase the height 1 more foot so you wont have to redo all the fencing.

 

[MROO]

Agree with everyone else that it sounds like dogs did it. Bury chicken wire 5"-1' under the current fence and add 2 lines of barb wire 5" from the top of the fence and each other to increase the height 1 more foot so you wont have to redo all the fencing.

As much as I HATE barbed wire, it has its' uses. If the dogs try again, you'll have proof of what did the damage clinging to any barbs they've touched!

 

[Folly's place]

Electric wire is more inspirational, and much easier/ safer to work with.
Mary