Predator help

[Poultry parent]

I think a single adult raccoon might do that. It is a likely candidate, knowing you already have one around. 

What are you going to do about it if you knew?

How is it possible these birds are being killed?

Killed in the coop? In the run or yard? Time of day?

They are being killed in the run at night. I know I know we're not supposed to leave the coop open at night but we don't live at that house full time so it's easier to leave the door open, and we've only lost one hen in the coop, so they are doing quite well. The 3 that were killed recently were Guineas, and they often slept outside the coop. We would trap the raccoon and relocate it.

 

[carlf]

Quote: NO, NO, NO.
It is most likely illegal and there will already be plenty of raccoons there if it is suitable habitat. Plus you chance introducing distemper, mange or even rabies into another population.

 

[Poultry parent]

I don't understand what the mystery is? If you have seen a coon in the run then that is the most obvious killer. It will certainly keeping coming back to an easy food source.

the problem is that i suspect the raccoon but I want to know if there are any other predators that leave the feet/wings. I'd like to know what I'm dealing with so that I can deter it.

 

[Howard E]

So your coop is tight but the run not so much? How would they be getting into the run? Open on top?

So single birds killed inside the run at night and eaten where they fell.

Likely candidates are a raccoon, a possum and perhaps a skunk if the birds were roosting on the ground (not likely). Maybe a bobcat or similar. But most likely of those is a raccoon.

If the run is open on top, you can also consider an owl.

On relocating a trapped animal, not a good idea. If that is the plan, far, far better to leave the varmits be and do the tighten up on the run and coop instead. Make that a safe and secure oasis where nothing can do them harm. If you did trap and relocate the animal, likely as not he will beat you home, and be much smarter for the experience. He will continue to do your birds harm. Or if not, he will be replaced by another just like him. So realistically, best long term solution is to do the "tighten up".

 

[carlf]

You know you have raccoons, start trapping them. Even if its another small mammalian predator like a possum or skunk, you will catch it.

If you suspect hawks or owls, put netting over your run.

 

[Poultry parent]

thanks for all your help! i'm going to make sure the fence is sturdy and i have a trail camera set up so i can see how it's getting in