~ :-( My first predator attack ** It happened again!

[Clay In Iowa]

"Ospreys and Bald Eagles both prey mostly on fish"

Maybe true for Ospreys but here in Central Iowa Bald Eagles will hunt it if it Moves. From my back door I've watched an Eagle eat a Pheasant and have seen them on rabbits and other small animals many times. Anyone in my area who has chickens knows to keep the birds in when the Eagles are in the area.

 

[Dar]

Quote:
we are to far south for a grey wolf, there was no mess, there was a little bit of feathers not a whole wack....I am guessing a coyote

I have my silkies in a tractor with a 3foot fence but the black sex link was out in the open and free ranging so its my fault that they got nabbed but this is the first problem i have had in over a year (knock on wood)

 

[deerman]

Quote:
Yes true if fishing is bad they take other prey, but they prefer fish.

 

[deerman]

Still my guess, would be bird of prey, fox, or coyote. This time of year all 3 will carry back to young. All 3 will take them during those hours.

Coons ,possum are mainly night time hunter, and will leave some body part near by.

 

[Dar]

the thought of a coyote in my yard where my kids play and where my dogs play (i have little dogs Abby is only 7 LBS)..this thought scares the poo poo out of me

 

[Dar]

It happened again

3 hens gone this time...does this mean I have a problem now?

Now that they know they have a free meal will they keep coming back?

I did not have a problem at all last year...now I was hit 2X in one week

this is really putting a kink in my plans about rebuilding my coop in the next few weeks cause the temp coop will not be predator proof

 

[PurpleChicken]

Once they learn where the food is they will keep coming, whoever "they" are.

 

[redhen]

Quote:
Darn! sorry to hear that they got more!

Wonder what it is? Is it taking them from the coop or when they are outside? A little bit of feathers left would mean something is big enough to carry them off..

 

[Dar]

i think it was a coyote, it went right into the coop they are are feathers all over my coop.

my DD seen one in the back yard the other day (wednesday evening)

 

[redhen]

Scary! They're coming close then!