Lost two today, any ideas of what killed them

[THathaway]

When I got home today two of my chickens were dead. One was in the run and had no feathers left on the neck and what ever got it chewed on the neck and possibly got into the cavity of the bird. The second was in the coop with feathers around it and it looked like the head was attacked. Any ideas of what killed my birds?

 

[mjuenem]

I read somewhere and also experienced once that a hawk will do that to the neck.

 

[THathaway]

My run is completely closed in with fencing and netting over the top. Any other ideas.
thanks

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

sorry about your birdies. Not sure how old your chickens are, but could it have been a rat? Have you checked really well for holes and such in the ground or your fence? We have weasles here, and they are vicious little critters. Rats and weasles can fit through the tiniest holes.......

 

[THathaway]

I though that it might be weasels. I had some friends that lost most of their chickens to them. I will set up some traps tomorrow to see if I can get them. I want to make sure to take care of the problem before I put my young chicks (which are in the brooder) in with the older ones. I just hate to loose more chickens, my daughter was upset about losing her favorite chicken.