The Headless Chicks

[anarivers]

Hi everyone,
My family and I are having a problem with some sort of predator. Chicks that are around 3 weeks to 2 month old are being killed. The odd thing is that they are left without their heads. We have around 70 chickens, all ranging in size, color, and age. Youngest are hatchlings and oldest are 3 years. This predictor never messes with the others. Only the adolescent chickens. Our enclosure is a huge 6-7foot fence that holds 5 houses inside. The top of the fence is open. Any ideas as to what this predator could be? And how do we stop it.

 

[HuskerHens18]

Owls would do that to our ducks, they'd take the heads first and leave.
The only way to fix aerial predators is to put a roof on the pen.

 

[h2oratt]

Can’t you get a game cam?

 

[Folly's place]

Rats do this too. Better security is needed here!
Mary

 

[BYC910]

Sorry for your losses . House cat would be my guess . Game cam is a good Ideal . If it's a feline or canine there will be tracks search for those early before the chickens come off the roost .

 

[Zay]

Their used to be a dog in town that would do that.

 

[BarredRockMom]

I completely agree about setting up a game camera. I don't know for sure what's doing it either, as I've heard of racoons doing this, too. Apparently, there's some protein in the brain that they are attracted to. Weird & disgusting, I know.

I would suggest a live, large animal trap. Racoons like marshmallows, so try baiting with those. Or sardines, or wet cat food. Make the trap more appealing & an easier meal than your flock.

If you want to know what I do, you can pm me.

And yes, a secure ecclosure absolutely includes a roof, so if you're able to do that it will help.