Predators Killing Chickens

[McChooky]

The goal is to set up a cellcam of some sort, but for reference, what would a cat do if they were the ones doing it?

Cats bite them in the neck which severs the spinal cord

 

[Kenzie22]

Cell cam is only showing coons, but where the chicks went missing, we have had multiple people come inspect it and there is no where that anything could have came in at. The coop is solid.

 

[McChooky]

Cell cam is only showing coons, but where the chicks went missing, we have had multiple people come inspect it and there is no where that anything could have came in at. The coop is solid.

There's a logical explanation perhaps someone overlooked? If you have bedding on the floor you may have missed a small hole.Coons can pull baby chicks out thru the wire and dismember larger ones on the sharp wire.Snakes and rats can squeeze thru small holes.The only explanation is a predator has gotten inside but if you'll post pictures will gladly help

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I recently watched a skunk squeeze through a small gap in my bantam run, about an inch, and by the time I got my husband out there with the gun it had killed a young bird and was eating it. If I hadn't seen it, I would have woke up to dead birds, and no idea what happened.

 

[Kenzie22]

The coop is in an old garage on concrete, so nothing could have got in.

 

[Kenzie22]

There's a logical explanation perhaps someone overlooked? If you have bedding on the floor you may have missed a small hole.Coons can pull baby chicks out thru the wire and dismember larger ones on the sharp wire.Snakes and rats can squeeze thru small holes.The only explanation is a predator has gotten inside but if you'll post pictures will gladly help

But what kind of animal could eat 25 3-4 week old chicks in one night leaving behind only one head?

 

[Folly's place]

Over time, and bad experiences, many of us learn to build Ft. Knox coops and at least a smaller run, so the birds can be safe inside when they can't free range.
A concrete floor is terrific, but everything else needs to be up to that standard. No openings larger than 1/2", no chicken wire, solid walls and doors, good latches that critters can't open.
And if things go wrong, survivors are moved to a safe place while repairs are made.
In bear country, it takes electric also, otherwise it's about solid structure, 1/2" hardware cloth, possibly with woven wire over it, very well attached.
A few years ago our old concrete coop floor developed a crack large enough for rats to invade, and we lost eggs and a nice bantam pullet. That was not fun, more upgrades, and rat elimination adventures.
Otherwise, it's free ranging where we have occasional losses, their coop and roofed run have been good.
Mary

 

[McChooky]

I recently watched a skunk squeeze through a small gap in my bantam run, about an inch, and by the time I got my husband out there with the gun it had killed a young bird and was eating it. If I hadn't seen it, I would have woke up to dead birds, and no idea what happened.

The angels were watching over you!

 

[McChooky]

But what kind of animal could eat 25 3-4 week old chicks in one night leaving behind only one head?

A search for predators in your area may or may not include all of the following : Fox, bobcats, coyotes, owls, hawks, eagles, vultures, crows, ravens, weasels, minks, raccoons, rats, possums, skunks, fishers, snakes, bears, dogs and cats but raccoons have thumb like paws that enable them to reach thru the wire and grab chicks near the wire. 1/2" galvanized steel Hw cloth can prevent anything getting your chickens or digging underneath (apron)You also need child proof latches because they can open simple ones

 

[Finchbreeder]

If it was here I would have said it sounded like a family of Rats.
But having read about Racoons - I am so glad we don't have them.