Unknown animal making flock dinner.

[Loulouzer]

For the past few months I've had something picking off my chickens and ducks gone without a trace from their coop. It does not have a fully closed top so i know it climbes. Yesterday I went to let my birds out and i found my guineafowl dead. He had no wounds and looked like he'd died in a struggle. His wings raised and claws foward. I was just surprised he was left there. What could my predator be? Has me wondering if the guineafowl hurt it enough but just died of shock from the attack anyway.. Or it was not big enough to carry him out? Any ideas? Forgot to add i live in alabama just to help the identification.. Also live near the woods.

 

[sourland]

climbs or perhaps flies it may even be a Great Horned Owl. Until you secure the coop it will continue killing your birds.

 

[TOR]

get a game camera you might be able to figure what it is.
electric fence on perimeter of coop fence will keep possum, coon out, those 2 are climbers.
Coon will carry a bird away.
Could be a bird of prey.
It will be back for more meals.

 

[Folly's place]

Your coop needs to be fixed! How sad for your birds, picked off one at a time at night.
Mary

 

[Loulouzer]

Unfortunatly i have no say over the coop. Its my parents but i have birds in it. I have bought what i can to help but they dont want to fortify the top. I put up motion alarms and am pricing cameras. I have used hay nets at one point on the tops but worry when it breaks birds will get caught.

 

[AntiqueB]

I've read that others use string across the top of the run. They say raptors will not cross it.

 

[50-45-1]

Does your coop not lock the birds inside at night?

 

[Loulouzer]

Yes it is shut and locked has a roof but the fence does not go all the way to the roof.

 

[TOR]

Yes it is shut and locked has a roof but the fence does not go all the way to the roof.

So something is getting in before lockup. Get a cheap camera then you know what you are up against.

 

[Loulouzer]

So something is getting in before lockup. Get a cheap camera then you know what you are up against.

I am looking into getting one for certain