Predator Slaughter Problem

[straychicken]

I’ve been raising chickens for about three years and am by no means an expert. I’ve had casualties from hawks before as I do let my flock free range (because they are happiest when they can) and because we live on enough acreage that this is feasible. However, in the past 6 months I’ve had three events that I can only describe as a massacre. On each occasion I’ve come home from work or woke up to find anywhere from 4-12 birds dead across my yard. Some with no signs of injury, some missing completely and some with their heads ripped off only. It appears they are ambushed while free ranging. This morning it happened again and they got my beautiful GLW rooster and six hens.

I’m at a loss on what to do. I thought it might be hawks, but I can’t figure out why a hawk would kill the hens only to just leave them without eating them. All of these events have happened between sunrise and sunset.

Any insights or advice is much appreciated!

 

[WindingRoad]

Sounds like a predator that kills for sport. Dogs????

 

[sourland]

Wide spread killing with birds not being eaten sounds as if it might be dogs. Generally dog attacks result in birds being mauled, even wet with slobber, feathers pulled - heads pulled off is not typical though.

 

[straychicken]

Thanks. I hadn’t thought about dogs at all.

 

[SniperGoose]

I originally thought weasel or mink, as they'll kill multiple birds as well and the heads can be missing. A few years ago, I actually had one kill a few of my Mallard ducks in a single day and drag some of the bodies away. But dogs are also a possibility for sure. Maybe invest in some trail cameras to see what the culprit is?

 

[centrarchid]

The head pulling could indicate a Red Fox.

 

[straychicken]

I originally thought weasel or mink, as they'll kill multiple birds as well and the heads can be missing. A few years ago, I actually had one kill a few of my Mallard ducks in a single day and drag some of the bodies away. But dogs are also a possibility for sure. Maybe invest in some trail cameras to see what the culprit is?

Great idea on the cameras! I definitely think that would be valuable.

 

[straychicken]

The head pulling could indicate a Red Fox.

Thank you!

 

[backyard pigeons]

You did mention that you've woken up to this, are they locked in at night? I hope you find the problem soon!

 

[straychicken]

You did mention that you've woken up to this, are they locked in at night? I hope you find the problem soon!

Hi! Yes they are but as soon as their door opens, they go out. So today when I went out it was around 9 and there were dead and warm carcasses.