Investigating chicken death - suspect mink

[newchickiemom48]

I found my Rhode Island Red with no head in the run portion of a spare coop within my enclosed run. The run has mesh sides and poultry netting secured over the top. The head and pieces of flesh were found in the main part of the little coop. There was a small pool of blood outside of the spare coop. At first I thought it could have been other chickens fighting for the nesting box but I couldn't quite see how they could decapitate her with their beaks. I take all the precautions against cannabalism. I keep multiple feeders full with 20% protein feed, supply black oil sunflower seeds in snack bowls and clean fresh water at all times. I clip beaks regularly also. Would a mink do this to just one chicken and leave everything like I found it? If so how do I get rid of the mink?

 

[hayley3]

I believe when the head is decapitated, it's the MO of an owl.

 

[tdan]

I believe when the head is decapitated, it's the MO of an owl.

This, I agree.
Owls will get into areas you think they won't. Lock them down and get a camera up so you have facts.

 

[harice4806]

If not an owl then a raccoon. My mink encounter was just broken necks and drained of blood. All 16 birds in one night. Then it left and went for the live trap bait.

 

[aart]

I found my Rhode Island Red with no head in the run portion of a spare coop within my enclosed run. The run has mesh sides and poultry netting secured over the top. The head and pieces of flesh were found in the main part of the little coop. There was a small pool of blood outside of the spare coop. At first I thought it could have been other chickens fighting for the nesting box but I couldn't quite see how they could decapitate her with their beaks. I take all the precautions against cannabalism. I keep multiple feeders full with 20% protein feed, supply black oil sunflower seeds in snack bowls and clean fresh water at all times. I clip beaks regularly also. Would a mink do this to just one chicken and leave everything like I found it? If so how do I get rid of the mink?

Post some pics of your coops/run area.
What time of day/night did this happen?

 

[Folly's place]

Yes, pictures of your coop and run will help here. I will add, although probably not if he was an adult standard sized bird, rats can do this, at least to smaller chickens at night.
Mary