It was an Owl...Saw it Happen

[rodriguezpoultry]

I fixed the title....sorry about that!

 

[wischickenlover]

I had the exact same thing happen to me last summer, as far as the heads with no chicken. It was strange....every day, I would run across a new head in a different raea of the yard, but under trees and bushes. An owl was picking off my banty chicks like it was nothing. I ended up losing all five and it was heartbreaking. At that time, I posted and the concensus blamed an owl...which I HAVE seen in our tall pines in the yard. So, with almost absolute certainty, I would bet you have an owl. As far as your cat goes, I dont really know. I sure hope you find her though-I know what it's like to have a beloved kitty disappear! Good luck!

 

[jojo@rolling acres farm]

Hi Rodrigquezpoultry - I still vote owl..great horned. The head being left behind is the biggest clue.



Hi Horsejody...we live near Fort Calhoun and the Desoto Bend Preserve...I'm not sure why the coyotes all have mange. The fox act really stupidfied and they have no hair - their tails...look like rat tails. Some people not far from us have had to treat their dogs because they were somehow exposed. Maybe it'll move your way...we never see them over this way. I dont' like things to suffer and be ill - but, I am happy the coyote/fox population has decreased!

 

[deerman]

I agree great horned owl, in both cases. They take cats, and also would leave very few parts on a chicken.

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

It was an owl...

I'm heartbroken.

All of my Langshan chicks for this year...my cat, my splash Cochin Kernel Fluffers and all but 2 of my silkies are gone.

Why even bother?

 

[sfw2]

Oh, RodriguezPoultry! Please don't give up! Can you cover the top of your run? Bird or deer netting seem to help keep the airborne predators from attacking our chickens, so far . . .

 

[Brindlebtch]

Oh I am so sorry! Even if you zig-zag fishing line back and forth over your will discourage large birds. Cheap, too.

 

[jojo@rolling acres farm]

Rodriguez Poultry,

So, so, sorry! Give your heart a rest...but, please don't give up. Sending hugs your way...

 

[JennsPeeps]

 

[Sunny Side Up]

Awww, I'm so sorry for all those losses, how heartbreaking! But at least you now know for sure what you're dealing with, and can take steps to protect the remaining chickens from it.