massacre of the flock

[araceli]

Warning: horrid pics of chicken massacre. Unknown source of destruction so far. Lost half the flock of approximately 100.
My friend woke up to this, has had chickens for years without one single problem.
Hardly any eaten, only one in whole, and some of tje egg production areas of other hens. My guess, dogs. Happened overnight. Any feedback appreciated.

 

[Eggsoteric]

Good grief. I'm so sorry for your friend's loss. Dog or dogs would be my guess as well, however, I have experienced first hand a fox on a frenzy kill prior to being interrupted. Did the neighbors see or hear anything? Does your friend have problems with stray or at-large dogs? Again, so sorry your friend lost so many.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Wow, that must be devastating! I am so sorry for your friend's loss.

Sounds like dogs to me also. Mine always seem interested in the rear end when they catch cats.

That's a lot of activity to not hear anything.... Were they not secured?

Sorry again, I imagine the clean up was very difficult.

Best wishes to the rest of the flock and its' humans!

 

[araceli]

Good grief.  I'm so sorry for your friend's loss.  Dog or dogs would be my guess as well, however, I have experienced first hand a fox on a frenzy kill prior to being interrupted.  Did the neighbors see or hear anything?  Does your friend have problems with stray or at-large dogs?  Again, so sorry your friend lost so many.   

Wow, that must be devastating! I am so sorry for your friend's loss. 

Sounds like dogs to me also. Mine always seem interested in the rear end when they catch cats.

That's a lot of activity to not hear anything.... Were they not secured?

Sorry again, I imagine the clean up was very difficult.

Best wishes to the rest of the flock and its' humans!

Good grief.  I'm so sorry for your friend's loss.  Dog or dogs would be my guess as well, however, I have experienced first hand a fox on a frenzy kill prior to being interrupted.  Did the neighbors see or hear anything?  Does your friend have problems with stray or at-large dogs?  Again, so sorry your friend lost so many.   

 

[araceli]

We are almost certain dogs, lost, stray, wild dogs. 8 years there without one single predator problem. She has a window air conditioning uniit so she heard nothing. They are in a large unsecured coop which was enough until this happened.

 

[Rock Home Isle]

That would be such a hard loss. I could not imagine....

The thing about predators...they always come back as long as there are chickens to be killed. I hope they have made preparations.

 

[Eric 2016]

Not sure where you live but I'm thinking mink or fisher.

 

[araceli]

Not sure where you live but I'm thinking mink or fisher.

Foot prints were found, different sizes, like more than one dog.

 

[araceli]

They've built a sturdy fence to keep wild dogs out.
Its been really hard on my friend. Thank you.
quote name="Rock Home Isle" url="/t/1117883/massacre-of-the-flock/0_100#post_17227379"]That would be such a hard loss. I could not imagine....

The thing about predators...they always come back as long as there are chickens to be killed. I hope they have made preparations.[/quote]e

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I remember the days of loud ac units. Might be worth the investment to get a baby monitor just to stick out there for peace of mind.

I suspected it may have been more than 1 predator with that kind of carnage. I might at least call animal control and make a report so if they can at least pay attention if they come across them or get any other reports of dogs at large maybe they will investigate.

My dogs definitely go back to the scene of previous kills to look for more prey. Don't hate all dogs because of this incident, mine only guard their property, but I know fences do break sometimes unexpectedly and unfortunately.

It will take a while for your friend and probably her flock to feel "normal" again. It's nice that you are there for her!

Best wishes!