Predator ID please

[dogkahuna]

 

[dogkahuna]

Attack was either aerial or through 4 inch openings.

 

[112Days]

Looks like a weasel to me. They dispatch with a bite to the neck, then often eat a bit from that initial bite. Must've left the carcass when it realized it couldn't get it back to its den through the 4-inch entry hole.

My ferret can turn around in 1-inch openings, and that's normal for weasels. No problem coming in or out through that hole.

My second guess would be a rat.

 

[annaBsChick]

Have you tried using poultryDVM's poultry predator identifier tool? http://www.poultrydvm.com/predator-identifier.php

 

[Chick or Treat]

I am so sorry!!!!!!!

 

[Trux]

Have you tried using poultryDVM's poultry predator identifier tool? http://www.poultrydvm.com/predator-identifier.php

bookmarked that it gives you a good place to start when you got problems...Thanks for posting

 

[bethy102173]

Looks like a weasel to me. They dispatch with a bite to the neck, then often eat a bit from that initial bite. Must've left the carcass when it realized it couldn't get it back to its den through the 4-inch entry hole.

My ferret can turn around in 1-inch openings, and that's normal for weasels. No problem coming in or out through that hole.

My second guess would be a rat.

What is the best way to stop weasels i just lost whole flock but 2

 

[dogkahuna]

We're about to construct a super-coop with 3 chambers for chickens ducks and geese. We'll bury wire fencing around the pens and add a layer of 1/2" hardware cloth around the lower 2 feet. We'll add netting over the top because raptors are our main predator. We may add more elements--I'm sick of losing birds.

 

[112Days]

What is the best way to stop weasels i just lost whole flock but 2

We're about to construct a super-coop with 3 chambers for chickens ducks and geese. We'll bury wire fencing around the pens and add a layer of 1/2" hardware cloth around the lower 2 feet. We'll add netting over the top because raptors are our main predator. We may add more elements--I'm sick of losing birds.

Like Kahuna said, most fencing under about 3/4" to 1/2" diameter will keep weasels out. Keep in mind that they're great climbers (my pet ferret, Daenerys, climbs more than she plays), so you'll probably need overhead netting. They're also great at digging.

Don't worry about them chewing through things, though. They have strong claws but they're mustelids (not rodents), so they have teeth built for killing, not gnawing.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

From the condition of the neck you are looking at an aerial predator.