Just lost my first birds. :(

[Ginzu]

Just got a call from my wife while at work, lost 8 birds this morning all with their heads and wings ripped off. Didn't even eat any just pulled heads and wings off. I wish they at least got eaten so that then whatever it was that killed them at least ate well. I guess when I get home I have some work to do on this coop/run.

 

[ValerieJ]

Weasel is my guess.

 

[Duck_life]

I think weasel, sorry for your loss.

 

[woodmort]

Or raccoons.

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

Sorry about your birds.

 

[chickens really]

Raccoons or opossum ?

 

[TwoShepherds]

Oh no! So sorry for your loss.

 

[Silkies for life]

My guess is raccoons, so sorry!

 

[Cryss]

I'm so sorry. Regardless of which critter did this the bottom line is that one got access to your birds. All they need to be able to do is reach their tiny hands inside and grab the birds. Thats why 1/2 inch hardware cloth is your best friend. If they actually got inside to do the deed you need to look for holes, rips, and gaps. Gaps can include needing an anti-digger apron and a covering over the run to prevent not only hawks but climbers like raccoons to name only one. Again, 1/2 inch hardware cloth to prevent things like weasels squeezing in from the top.
Good luck sealing up all access points.

 

[microchick]

That's horrible. I'm so sorry for your loss. It sure sounds like a raccoon to me. As stated by @Cryss, they will reach in, pull the bird's head or wings through the wire, bite them off and either eat the head or leave them.

An Amish neighbor had it happen with pullets that he had in a grow out pen in his yard. It took him 3 or 4 months to get the culprit and it was a big raccoon. He introduced me to their habit. When a chicken leans against the fencing and falls asleep, the raccoon will reach in, snare the neck and pull it through. The bird doesn't know what hit them.

My advice is to get a Hav-a-heart trap and set it. The varmint knows where it can get a free chicken dinner and will be back for seconds.

Take care. You have a lot of work ahead for you fortifying your coop and run. But it will be worth it.