I think it was a human - 2 dead chickens

[Sonoran Silkies]

One bird might accidentally snap its neck in a fight or fall--two? plus another injury? Something got to them. I can't say whether it was a human or something else, but hte fact that they now run from you makes it sound like it likely WAS a human. Woken up at night by a human they would have run to, they likely would not have done much flapping. Sprinkle flour or powder on the coop floor and all around the coop and fun. This will show footprints and tell you what was there. As has been stated, get a lock for the door, and do talk to your neighbors--I like the way it was stated--expressing concern that they may have had losses as well--and watching to see their reactions. A night vision camera that runs on a 24 hour loop would be good for identifying the predator. You might also place motion sensor lights and/or alarms near the coop.

 

[Morgan7782]

I am thinking human too purely because there would have been more feathers and a bit more of a mauling I would think. Predator animals hunt to eat.. At least that is what I have experienced. The fact there was no signs of a break in by an animal, let alone only two dead hens with no signs of struggle.. Yikes. That is my biggest fear.. I can deal with coons, hawks and dogs but the second a PERSON hurts or kills my animals.. We have an issue. I am so sorry for your losses

 

[calista]

I agree with the respondents who said to get photographs and put up game cams, and I'll add that, if you're on speaking terms with them and can arrange to strike up a conversation, say in the most friendly voice you can, "Gee, I'm just devastated that a PREDATOR got some of my pet chickens, and I was wondering if you've had any problems? I've set out traps of SEVERAL KINDS, changed the locks, and installed a hidden game cam system so this never happens again."

You get the idea. At least they'll know it won't be a slam-dunk for them if they try something like this again and they WILL get caught -- assuming it WAS them that did it the first time.

My sympathies for your loss and frustration. Hope you solve the mystery.

 

[JulieZ]

I do not know if I'm right or wrong anymore. Husband is beginning to think someone has poisoned our chickens. I am thinking they have something else wrong. Here is the new topic of me screaming for help ... all my chickens are in a bad way right now .... PLEASE take a moment to read ... I NEED HELP !!! TY!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=367313

Julie

 

[jerseygirl1]

Quote:
I thought the same

 

[JulieZ]

I have 6 chickens fighting for their lives right now. I'm doing an epsom salt/water solution for them all to hurry clean out their system. To top matters, I'm off to pick up 5 chicks today. Got no choice ... now or never. They will be quarantined until I finish deep cleaning the coop & replacing hay today. Very, very, very sad! The bird that looks like she's been kicked ... right when I think "Lexie" is about to give up, she stands up & drinks a little more. Not so sure the rest have her ambition. I pray ...

Julie

 

[Mattemma]

Is charcol ok to give the hens? How terrible that neighbors stoop to this.Bad enough you have to worry about animal attacks.Time for a game cam!
Why the fued? I know some people don't even NEED a reason!

 

[arch_cpj]

OK you need to follow this to the T first thing you need to go to TSC or the Nearest farm store buy a mess of yellow POSTED No tresspassin signs the ones that have all the legalize on them and let you put your name and address on em fill em out and hang them so that no matter where you approach your land you can clearly see at least 2 of em... Now you call the police righ away you ask to have an officer come out non - emergency.,.. You expalin all this to him and inform him your land is clearly posted...You explain that anyone caught out here is to be arrested and charged with tresspassing... Now you need to go to Harbor freight they sell wireless drive way alarms uses a little motion sensor and wireless ly will ring an alarm up to 300 feet away put the sensor on the coop also buy a few of wem you only need one alarm but want a few of the motion sensors put the sensors up to cover all approaches to that coop also get a few solar motion lights the sensors and lights are like 20 bucks at harbor freight... If you hear a beep in the house look to where the light is... Now get a few game cams and palce one permanantly to cover the coop the rest sprinkle on the land and if oyu catch em tresspassin charge em... I also would lovve to see a padlocked heay door on that coop and a fine sand patch on the stoop of the coop to see prints all this isnt expensive but isnt super cheap but it will stop the neighbor... You might also go onlne and buy some alarm company signs brag to the neighbors or complain to em that since this has happenned your stuck spendin 50 bucks a month on an alarm for the yard and house... Word of mouth will spread the rumor and even if you dont have an alrm the signs are quite effective... FYI I just installed an alarm from frontpoint after a gentleman tried to break into the house with the wife here and best 40 bucks a month I spend and the ins company gives me a break... ShAME YOU GOTTA DO ALL THIS BUT ITS WORKS...

 

[chicken crazed 1o1]

Im not sure how old this thread is but if or when you talked to the people next door were they smurking ? if so they likely did it

 

[epeloquin]

I thought the exact same as hunter and jerseygirl...it sounds like someone snapped two necks and kicked the other one. Man, I am so sorry you are dealing with this. If it isn't too late I would definitely get necropsy done, even if there is a cost involved. If it is found they were killed by a person I would report the findings to Animal Control. They probably can't do anything now but they would probably go speak to the neighbor, especially seeing as you saw them on your property.

Again, I am so sorry.