Predator Has Gotten into My Coop

[Pstemarie]

For the past two nights, a predator has gotten into my coop. The first night it killed 2 hens. The entire abdominal cavity was ripped open/gone, and the internal organs eaten. Another chicken has a nasty bite or claw mark on its back between its wings, which I cleaned out and put iodine on.

I was convinced it was a raccoon, so I bought new - coon proof - latches for all the doors. That coop was locked down tighter than Fort Knox. Last night, it struck again. This time it killed three chickens and injured another one. It did not eat the three chickens this time. The only wounds on them were on the neck and head - the heads were pretty demolished.

I have NO idea how it got into the coop. The only possible flaw in my security is the door to the outside run which, if pulled on from the outside, can create a small gap about 3/4 inch wide and 1 inch long. I have moved my remaining 7 hens into the barn into my pullet pen as a temporary solution until I feel confident the coop is predator proof. I've had this coop for seven years and never had an issue.

Any ideas what the varmit could be that has decided my coop is a takeout diner?

EDIT - The predator left the carcasses in the coop.

 

[theoldchick]

Get a game camera to see who/what is visiting your coop. I use electric fence to keep them out of my coop. Sorry for your loss.

 

[WaterfowlsPoultry]

I recommend setting up a camera to catch the beast.

 

[Pstemarie]

Cameras are a good idea.

My son did find where the varmit entered the coop. Earlier this year, I added an 8' square addition onto the original coop and run so the girls had more space (I also went with 12 chickens this time instead of 6). Apparently, while I was joining the new run's roof line into the coop's roofline, I knocked out one of the spacers between the rafters (which sealed the gap between them), leaving a 4" tall by 16" gap.

So, this weekend I'll be sealing up that gap again, securing the board better, and then moving them back into their normal lodgings. My pullet run in the barn is a little too small for an extended stay, although I think they appreciate the feeling of security from the closer quarters.

 

[Pstemarie]

Put a camera up last night watching the back side of the coop where the varmit got in. It was a raccoon - just as I thought. After trying every single eave gap and failing to get in, he gave up and wandered off. I'm thinking I'll give it another night or two before putting the girls back in the coop.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Sorry for your losses; good job fixing the problem and identifying the marauder!