Need help identifying a predator

[catskillmarina]

Now that spring is in gear in N. Vt we are starting to have predator problems. I have
chased racoons off 3 times.

Today i found 2 piles of feathers from young doves. Not even a scrap of meat or bone
left.

What might have done this ? Racoon ? Mink ? Cat ? Weasel ? Hawk ? Raven ?

--- Marina

 

[countrygoddess]

Was it a lot of feathers? Or just the amount you might see if a critter pounced, picked it up, and ran off with it? I have friends who have already had issues with fox, and tonight on the way in to work I saw one that looked as though it was stalking something. I think they have kits now and are hunting for food for them.

 

[naadarien]

I am concerned about that too. Were your birds in a run or free-ranging?

Just wondering if there is anything we could do to shore up our defenses. Thanks!

 

[countrygoddess]

I always recommend Premier 1 Poultry Net. We've used it for years and the only losses we've had have been from raptors and ravens. Even weasels can't get past it and I know we have them because my cat brings them home sometimes.

 

[Fahmah110]

Every time I lost a chicken and all that was left is a pile of some (far from all) feathers - the killer was one of the many loose, stray & feral cats around here.
I finally got sick of not knowing what was killing my hens one by one, and set up game trail cameras in my barn to find out.
There's maybe one coon per week, or 1 to 2 dogs per month trying to get at my chickens, as opposed to 3 - 4 different cats, each night.
Game On.
I added motion lights and motion detectors; I set several different kinds of traps in my barn each night. Been doing it for over a year now and I have yet to go out in the morning without having at least one trap full.

Try seting up a game trail camera, even if you have to borrow one from a hunting buddy Once you know what it is - then you can plan the best way to protect your chickens.
FWIW, mine is a Bushnell with night vision. I bought it on sale for 139, free shipping. It's become priceless to me.
I don't know if I can post that link, but if you want more info, PM me.