Unrecognized predators

[nana chicken43]

I am very appreciative of all your replies. I have raised chickens for a few years and am by no means an expert, but I have never had this type of predator. I am totally baffled.

 

[jvls1942]

based on 50+ years of having chickens and livestock.. knowing people who had similar experience to find out that the pred was caged in with the birds.
based on the OP saying every opening was covered or boarded up..
based on a weasel does not eat that much of a chicken.
a raccoon would have eaten the whole thing being that small.
still sounds like a cat, to me.

I must have missed your post of what you think it could be.

If you suspect where it is getting in,
or on the inside, where the chickens don't walk,
lay down a good dusting of all purpose flour.
it should show the tracks as if it was snow.
based on several years of trapping..
.........jiminwisc...

ETA, I meant cat, not rat ..I corrected it..

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

photos of the whole pen would alliw us to better see your security

 

[nana chicken43]

I will say, losing the last bird shows your current methods are not working.

You are correct. That's why I posted on here to get some help.

 

[nana chicken43]

Tonight we will try the flour. As stated in the original post it's a semi trailer converted into a barn but is still on the axles and legs.i added pics to original post

 

[nana chicken43]

photos of the whole pen would alliw us to better see your security

I added pics to original post, hope they help

 

[mobius]

I just love the flour idea, it is perfect...ty!!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

based on 50+ years of having chickens and livestock.. knowing people who had similar experience to find out that the pred was caged in with the birds.
based on the OP saying every opening was covered or boarded up..
based on a weasel does not eat that much of a chicken.
a raccoon would have eaten the whole thing being that small.
still sounds like a rat, to me.

I must have missed your post of what you think it could be.

If you suspect where it is getting in,
or on the inside, where the chickens don't walk,
lay down a good dusting of all purpose flour.
it should show the tracks as if it was snow.
based on several years of trapping..
.........jiminwisc....

But without actuality seeing the pen there is no way to know that it's true as one person's idea of "totally secure is often every known predators idea of an open buffet... that was my point.

 

[jvls1942]

thanks for the photos.
they didn't help my any. but my eyes are not so good.
maybe somebody will be able to pick out a 1" hole that got overlooked ?
or a piece of hdwe cloth that is pulled away from the wall and causing a tunnel into the pen?

just speculating.

......jiminwisc......

 

[nana chicken43]

But without actuality seeing the pen there is no way to know that it's true as one person's idea of "totally secure is often every known predators idea of an open buffet... that was my point.

But without actuality seeing the pen there is no way to know that it's true as one person's idea of "totally secure is often every known predators idea of an open buffet... that was my point.

I'm taking in ALL info & ideas, as there are more experienced chicken people out there and I need all the help I can get. I am glad to have so many people to reach out to and receive so much information. THANK YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH !!!! I will keep. Y'all posted on the situation.