One chicken killed every day - picture of predator's footprints included. Help identifying?

[zando]

thank you all for the replies.
tomorrow I am setting up a trap, and if I catch anything - will definitely post it here....
today the hens were closed inside - nice and polite to each other - no pecking, no nervous breakdowns
now we hunt!

 

[centrarchid]

Zando,

If your description of feed used is accurate, then killer is very likely member(s) of flock. What they are getting is way short on protein which is an issue that should not be considered lightly. It you do catch a varmint then convert it into feed for flock.

Additionally pictures of tracks to my eyes are indicative of more than one type of critter and none where shown in context to indicate they where actually going after your birds.

 

[zando]

Hi all,
after few days being locked inside the coop, yesterday and today the chicks were outside.
all these days and noghts I had a trap placed hoping to get something, anything...
No signs of violence while inside.
Today, in the aftrenoon, while outside - another victim
When I went to see the chicks - one dead with the tummy open and all intestines gone. the meat was still there... One of the birds was outside of their yard - as if they were so scared she flew over the fence.
I am beyond frustrated and puzzled. thinking of getting wireless camera..
we had a trace of fresh snow today and no tracks were present around their yard...
if it is a cat - what is typical for cat atack?
if mink - would it climb the wire fence and with that - during the day?

on the other hand - what would you recommend for protein supplement? I started giving them sunflower seeds - they go after them with great gusto...

 

[centrarchid]

My first choice if available is to use some sort of commercially produced feed like a grower / finisher diet. At least some sort of feed with more protein than typical of most grains will help. Is there a reason why a commercial diet not already in use?


If you are forced to got the primitive route then either increase the time available for free-ranging and hope available forage is of quantity and quality needed or give them some sort of animal protein. I have used fish in a pinch but I live near a large river where such is very cheap. Grandfather used to use offal from butcher shop but such places are not around everywhere these days.

Also look into using some all grain / organic formulation but that may be more difficult to acquire than the commercial diets.

Otherwise birds will make up difference using each other and egg production will usually falter before that mechanism kicks in.

 

[PoultryGirly]

So, may we see a picture of your fencing? Do you have a roof over their pen?

 

[zando]

I am puzzled with the fact that while inside - there is no violence. One would think that if they needed more protein, or more space- they would jump on each other while inside as well as outside. So far all have been killed during the aftrenoons, in the middle of the yard.

 

[zando]

no, i do not have a roof over. I have mesh fence that is on wood posts and is about 6' tall. not sure if this picture will show it well.
the mesh is folded in about 1 foot on the ground, and no holes / tunnels so far. access from above or over the fence - yes...

 

[PoultryGirly]

So, either an animal is crawling over the fence, grabbing them through the fence, or flying/jumping into the run.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

My money is on a possum 80% or maybe a coon or skunk from you description of the last victim.

 

[centrarchid]

Show picture of a kill as you find it. Hawk might make all look as you describe.