Predator

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Today I lost 1 quail and 2 chicks. All three had their heads bitten off. The quail were in double wired cage while the chicks were in a run. There was access from the top of the run so I think it must have been a raptor of some sort. However just decapitated and not eaten?

 

[FrankieDoodle]

Welcome to BYC! Sorry for your loss

 

[ronott1]

I am sorry for your loss!

If it was at night, then it could have been a skunk, ferret, weasel or etc. Ferrets, weasels and raccoons can climb. Skunks are not supposed to but some think they can

Enjoy Backyard Chickens!

 

[lazy gardener]

I think it was a weasel, and they will kill during the day, but night time is their typical attack time.

 

[Hope Hughes]

Hello
Welcome to BYC!!
So glad to have you here!!
Thanks for sharing your story!!
There are maany people on here that are ready to help in anyway they can!
The learning center also has alot of great information on it as well!
Enjoy!​

 

[Gwen E]

Hi, welcome
Sorry for your loss. Skunks can jump very high. Most likely an opossum. Strange only got the head, maybe all it (what ever it was) could reach. Its usually the feet, if they can reach up. Try a live catch trap W/ can cat food

 

[007Sean]

Howdy Happy to have you join the family. Enjoy your time here at BYC!
Sorry about your losses. If an night attack could be an owl. They will pull the heads off, the rest of the body will fall to the ground.

 

[drumstick diva]

Please do check out the predator threads and detail what happened to your birds. They often can tell what predator by the M.O. of the carnage and can give best advice for keeping them out or taking them "out."

 

[Pork Pie]

Hello and welcome to BYC - thanks for joining us. The peeps on the quail forum may also be able to provide some input - https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/quail.48/

 

[blackdust951]

hello and welcome to backyard chickens!we're so happy you decided to join us here sorry for your loss