Turkey are gone *update*graphic pics***

[lotzahenz]

I agree that was not a dog, unless it was a starving dog. Every dog attack I have ever had the dogs kill and run, they just enjoy the kill. They won't eat those feathers. Whatever got your turkey was very hungry and ate it. I wonder if it packed off your hen, maybe to feed others. I am so sorry, a coyote got our Mr. Tom Turkey and we were so sad. I like the camera idea. I have a "barn cam" that I use for foaling time. It runs non-stop and can be hooked up inside to your TV, you can watch whenever you want. However, it does NOT record, so the baby monitor may be a good way to know when to turn over to the monitor channel. You could buy some whole chicken at the store or maybe some liver for bait.

Good luck in catching your predator. I know the frustration. I do have turkeys that hatched last spring/summer if you are interested, but it would be a long drive and at 30 lbs or so way too heavy to ship. They are not exactly tame though, if you ever want eggs, just PM me. My turkey hen lays seasonally, in spring and summer.

HenZ

 

[fishman65]

Don't count out solar powered fence chargers, they are a great way to power up a hot line for free (after buying charger) sun driven power. Does not take much sun to charge up.
I don't think any animal no matter how stupid (possums included) will forget the initial BITE of a hot wire. They stay clear of it no matter how hungry they are.

 

[showme31]

I had a solar charger years ago on the horse pasture before we moved out here and had electric put in. Worked great until tornado took it out. Was a totally freak take out, part of the neighbors barn smashed into the pole it was on. I would have to wait to get one after hubs is back to work.

First night out with the trap yielded.....my dd's big fluffy cat. Poor guy, didn't like being in the trap so scraped his forehead trying to get out. Nothing came back to the remaining turkey either. Of course if it did manage to get the hen somewhere it still should have plenty to eat right. Going to try and get back up there tonight and rebait. We are expecting up to 24" of snow between now and mid day tomorrow. YIKES!

 

[Randy]

How big is your cage trap? If it was coyotes or a larger dog it might be all but impossible to catch it in a cage trap unless it is a very large trap. I admit I'm a little stumped on this one. My gut is saying dog, a very hungry dog.

 

[Talihofarms]

I would say with near certainty that a canid would be the only animal in your area able to tear a fence like that.
I would think a coyote or feral dog.
I would leave the carcas in the cage and monitor for the preditor. When the killer is in the cage enjoying his left over.

Get to the cage quickly, Only one way out.

Take no prisoners. Aim for the opening.

Hot wires at 4,12,24 have kept the 4 legged predetors from our runs .





good luck

 

[Lbrad7]

I have to admit that I am stunned that anything was able to actually tear through a chain link fence! My first thought was that it was a bear. I can't imagine a dog or coyote being able to shred a chain link fence like way and then to eat a whole tom turkey and carry off a hen??? I know there have be quite a few mountain lions found in MO over the last few years. It looks to me like that could be your culprit.

I am really sorry for your loss and I hope you are able to catch/dispatch whatever it was. Please keep us in the loop...I am dying to know what it was.

 

[Mattemma]

So sorry for your loss! The only thing that has chewed through my chainlink so far was some groundhogs,and I know they don't eat chickens just every plant I have!

 

[chicknduck]

I am so sorry for your loss.

 

[WhiteMountainsRanch]

Sorry for your loss.

I do have to add my 2¢ though... We used to have Siberian Husky dogs that could do that and worse to a chainlink fence. AND now I have a shepherd mix who will catch and eat anything... squirrels, chickens, birds, anything he can get. He just plops down and puts the thing between his front legs and has lunch... bones and all. Even if I just fed him.


I wouldn't discount a dog by ANY means.

 

[babalubird]

Well, I would think it would have to be a dog or coyote to tear up the fence like that too. I wouldn't think even a big cat would do that because they could probably climb over more easily than work that hard to get in.

Darn, hope you can put an end to it. What heartbreak and a waste.

Connie