Something killed my silkie

[Babybird60]

My husband went out this morning as usual to let the girls out. One of the silkies who likes to sleep in the box was dead. Broken egg eaten, and something ate her at the vent area..

What kind of animal would do that?? He was so upset b/c he cant find where its getting in the coop.

Any info is appreciated

 

[sourland]

What you describe is frequently the earmark of an opossum, but realistically it might any predator - probably not a raptor. Check closely for any opening in coop or run. It does not take a very big opening for a predator to gain access. Understand that it will be back.

 

[MilesFluffybutt]

Could she have been previously injured and you're just noticing now?

 

[Northern.Ontario]

Could be a hole just a couple inches wide that would allow a weasel family member to get in. The rafters and gaps in the floor or doors/windows are prime entry points.

 

[Babybird60]

What you describe is frequently the earmark of an opossum, but realistically it might any predator - probably not a raptor. Check closely for any opening in coop or run. It does not take a very big opening for a predator to gain access. Understand that it will be back.

a few weeks ago, my husband found a small opossum in the coop, he killed it.. I wonder if there is a group of them nearby.. he will have to secure more. they have a closed in area with the 2x3 inch fencing and chicken wire at the bottom, their doors to to coop stay open... but the run is entirely fenced in.. top and bottom..could it be possible that they are getting in through that small of an opening?

 

[Babybird60]

Could she have been previously injured and you're just noticing now?

no they were just out playing and free-ranging last night. We do not allow them out of their run/coop area unless they are supervised.. She was fine at the time they were put back in their coop for the evening.

 

[sourland]

2 X 3 will not keep out coons or opossums let alone smaller predators. Is it possible to close up the coop in the evening ?

 

[Babybird60]

Could be a hole just a couple inches wide that would allow a weasel family member to get in. The rafters and gaps in the floor or doors/windows are prime entry points.

thank you ! guess we have some varmit proofing to do... what is weird is that they have been fine for months... about 18 months ago, we had some we hatched and something was eating them just their heads and crop areas... we never found what got the babies (about 12 weeks old)

 

[Babybird60]

2 X 3 will not keep out coons or opossums let alone smaller predators. Is it possible to close up the coop in the evening ?

yes, we can close up the entry door to inside the coop.. I will suggest that to my hubby this evening.. its just so hot this time of year... thank you

 

[Northern.Ontario]

a few weeks ago, my husband found a small opossum in the coop, he killed it.. I wonder if there is a group of them nearby.. he will have to secure more. they have a closed in area with the 2x3 inch fencing and chicken wire at the bottom, their doors to to coop stay open... but the run is entirely fenced in.. top and bottom..could it be possible that they are getting in through that small of an opening?

If you can fit a chicken egg through any hole in the fence (anywhere, high or low) a weasel will get through.