Please help!! 11 dead chickens

[aart]

I'd say it would be a weasel, those things find your hens abnd kill as many as possible. They go for the brain and throat and leave behing "vampire" bite marks. He will return at night for his feast and kill more. My advise, leave out a rat trap will slice deli meat.

If that's 1/2" HC, that hole is like 10" x 7", way too big for a weasel.

 

[strick62]

The hardware cloth is no larger than 1/2 inch. I thought it would have been plenty tough enough. I will see if I can get one of my dad's cams.The new pullets were fine this morning.

 

[strick62]

We put the hardware cloth under the roosting poles so that most of the poor would fall through. Also thought it would provide a little more fresh air.We had intended to cover it when it got real cold and go the deep litter route til spring. Now I wish we had just put a solid floor in..would have been easier.

 

[BigECarter]

Trying to post a thread that has a good discussion on hardware cloth. Using the new app - hopefully this works.

> Hardware Cloth < 20-gauge 1/2" mesh
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/465294/hardware-cloth-20-gauge-1-2-mesh

 

[Autumn D]

Do you have black or grey foxes were you live? That sounds like the evidence that a fox leaves also a fox kills by snapping the neck that would explain the bit marks near the neck .

 

[veramoomoo]

or if you find rat poop set up rat traps andcatch what ever animal is eating your poor chickens!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[JanetS]

So sorry for your loss!! If you can, I would try using a game camera. It will let you know what's moving around in your yard and help you with a game plan to get rid of whatever it is. Good luck!

Do you have any pictures of your new chickens?

 

[Folly's place]

I also wondered if you have bears; large dogs or a bear would be best guesses. Serious reinforcement and electric fencing and a game cam to see who comes back for more. All my best wishes for your flock and your little girl. Mary

 

[c17avionics]

My friend had something claw and chew through 3/4 inch plywood so that is not thick enough. It killed all 15 of his chickens.

 

[Triple Willow]

I am a firm believer in electric fences. If a fence will keep cows/bulls in I am pretty positive it would keep even bears out.