Raccoon killed my whole flock...what now?

[Mbm3113]

i had a small flock of 7 hens. Over a 3 week period they were all killed by what I believe was a raccoon, although I’m not positive. We’ve had chickens for 3 years with no issues. We recently moved our babies out to the coop and I think they attracted the predators. My girls free range all day and then I lock up the coop at sundown. Recently when I went outside to lock them up I was finding 1-2 dead outside the coop. I stopped letting them out but they were squawking and unhappy. I finally let them back out and went I went back to lock them up, they were all dead.

I want more chickens but I feel bad not allowing them to free range. We have such a nice area for them. I know they’re not going to go back to the coop before sundown but sundown seems to be when the killings are happening. Suggestions?

 

[Peppercorngal]

So sorry to hear you lost your flock. I don't know where you are but you must take some measures to secure your new flock. Here, we have coyotes and wild dogs that will "sneak up" on the chickens during the day, and especially towards evening. To keep our flock safe and still let them free range we put up a farm fence, 5 feet high and enclosed a large area (50'x50'). When I let them out of the coop (so far) they stay in that area. Now larger predators likes dogs and coyotes cannot "run up" and get to the chickens in the day time. I don't know if that would work for racoons but it would take time for them to climb over the fence and perhaps give the flock time to escape? I like to "put my chickens to bed" before sundown. I give them their treats and they all come runnin! I lock them in well before it's dark. Most wild animals kill for food. If you found all your chickens dead, something is killing for sport. It would be good to identify the predator, then you can take measures to keep the kids safe. Again, so sorry for your loss.

 

[Mbm3113]

So sorry to hear you lost your flock. I don't know where you are but you must take some measures to secure your new flock. Here, we have coyotes and wild dogs that will "sneak up" on the chickens during the day, and especially towards evening. To keep our flock safe and still let them free range we put up a farm fence, 5 feet high and enclosed a large area (50'x50'). When I let them out of the coop (so far) they stay in that area. Now larger predators likes dogs and coyotes cannot "run up" and get to the chickens in the day time. I don't know if that would work for racoons but it would take time for them to climb over the fence and perhaps give the flock time to escape? I like to "put my chickens to bed" before sundown. I give them their treats and they all come runnin! I lock them in well before it's dark. Most wild animals kill for food. If you found all your chickens dead, something is killing for sport. It would be good to identify the predator, then you can take measures to keep the kids safe. Again, so sorry for your loss.

I’m in a pretty suburban area so not many predators which is what makes me think it’s a raccoon. My chickens are enclosed in a 6ft vinyl fence so I’m pretty sure the predator is digging under the fence. My older girls would go in earlier with treats but the new girls wouldn’t, which is what probably started the whole ordeal. The smaller and weaker girls were all completely eaten. My two biggest girls were just chased into the coop and killed right in their nesting box. I’m so nervous to put out new chickens but I think part of the issue was the older girls not letting the younger ones in. It was their first few weeks together.

 

[True Patriot]

Sorry to hear. If you have time, I would supervise around the time you have the problem. You can also set up a trail cam to confirm what's coming around. Hate to ask, but the information will help with advice. How were they found? If they were eaten, which parts? Adding your general location to your profile will also help others to answer your questions.

 

[True Patriot]

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I’m in a pretty suburban area so not many predators which is what makes me think it’s a raccoon. My chickens are enclosed in a 6ft vinyl fence so I’m pretty sure the predator is digging under the fence. My older girls would go in earlier with treats but the new girls wouldn’t, which is what probably started the whole ordeal. The smaller and weaker girls were all completely eaten. My two biggest girls were just chased into the coop and killed right in their nesting box. I’m so nervous to put out new chickens but I think part of the issue was the older girls not letting the younger ones in. It was their first few weeks together.

You answered while I was writing. Suburban areas still have predators. Possibly more when you count the number of dogs and cats. Is the fence privacy? And is it only around the coop? If it blocks view it can give a predator a place to hide and ambush from. Check around and maybe place a hardware cloth skirt under the fence to stop digging. If they're run is adequately sized keeping them in for a while until you get this sorted out won't do them any harm.

 

[llombardo]

I’m in a pretty suburban area so not many predators which is what makes me think it’s a raccoon. My chickens are enclosed in a 6ft vinyl fence so I’m pretty sure the predator is digging under the fence. My older girls would go in earlier with treats but the new girls wouldn’t, which is what probably started the whole ordeal. The smaller and weaker girls were all completely eaten. My two biggest girls were just chased into the coop and killed right in their nesting box. I’m so nervous to put out new chickens but I think part of the issue was the older girls not letting the younger ones in. It was their first few weeks together.

I have a 6 ft vinyl fence too. The only thing that tried digging under was a skunk. I put River rock around the whole inside perimeter. I have not saw an attempt since--to much work for them, maybe?

 

[Mbm3113]

Sorry to hear. If you have time, I would supervise around the time you have the problem. You can also set up a trail cam to confirm what's coming around. Hate to ask, but the information will help with advice. How were they found? If they were eaten, which parts? Adding your general location to your profile will also help others to answer your questions.

There was no blood at all which I read was common with raccoons but could also be other predators. The babies were carcasses. Feathers, ribs, and legs. No heads on the babies. One baby disappeared. The big girls were killed and mainly left. Their bellies were opened and the eggs were pulled out and cracked open. Their heads and feathers were on.

 

[True Patriot]

That sounds more like something in the weasel family. You can look into your trapping laws in your area. A trap with canned cat food should have luck. First find out what you can do once it's trapped. Where I live the solution is easy. But if you live in a suburban area the neighbors (and the local police) may not be enthusiastic about shooting it. If trapping isn't an option, the only thing I know to do is use a predator resistant run. Possibly build a run "tractor" that you can move them around in. More work, but at least they'll have some protection. Good luck

 

[Peppercorngal]

I agree with Patriot, you need a trail camera so you can truly identify your predator! Racoons can (and will) climb a fence easily! Sometimes it takes a little money and lots of work to build a predator proof run and coop! Best of luck to you! (we still don't know where in the world you are!)