Rudy (avatar) killed in middle of the day!

[YoYofranko]

Oh no hes gorgeous i'm so sorry, I love my cockerel Rodney so much i would be absolutely gutted if that happened to him. If it is a Racoon (which i dont know as i live in the UK we dont have them) make sure you get the little bugger as its likely to come back. Good luck x

 

[Robo]

In the last few years the raccoon population has skyrocketed. That is why we are losing so many chickens and so many coons get ran over. Something has to be done or it will continue to grow.

 

[poultryfan73]

Quote:
You can say that again. I hate coons so much

They show no mercy, so they get NO MERCY!!!

x2

 

[4 Love of Baby Chickens]

Coons =

 

[Miss Lydia]

Well rabies has been helping with the racoon population around here, but we know they will be back! Sorry for your loss.

 

[sourland]

If he was killed and eaten so close to the dog pen, don't you think they would have alerted? Any possibility it might have been a Cooper's hawk that might not have caught the dog's attention? I'm not sure from your avatar, but he looks to be smaller than a standard sized rooster. Not too big for a Cooper's to kill. Keep an eye on the rest of your flock. The predator will return.

 

[Wisher1000]

You are right, he was a banty. A suave but caring master of his flock who was feisty in his attempts to woo his girls but never savage. He would wing drag and strut every morning for each and changed his favorite often so that none felt slighted. He kept an eye out for any danger but readily gave up any choice morsel to which ever hen was close when he found it. All the girls would come running when he called them because he always had a treat which he would hold until the hen saw that it was in his possession then drop it as she approached. He was a fine gentleman and a brave protector who gave his life for his family... we miss him.

 

[Wisher1000]

As for it being a hawk, I think a hawk would have either taken him off or pulled feathers out to get to the meat. There were no feathers about and just the head and crop were gone. There was a quarter sized bit gone from his back but it wasn't deep. I think it was a coon and my dogs were sleeping so soundly that they didn't notice. I only let them out at night when the chickens (and hunters) are sleeping.