weasel?

[rudysmom]

I have had four chickens killed inside the coop at night the last week. They just have their heads chewed off, and necks chewed on. Does anyone think it could be a weasel? My coop is lined with 3/4 inch wire, but there must be an opening somewhere. I put out a live trap with peanuts (my hubbies idea) last night, not touched but there was another dead chicken. Any help would be appreciated!

 

[chickiebaby]

ugh. so sorry. I think coons'll do that too. And fisher cats, but I don't know if you have those?

 

[jhm47]

Definitely sounds like a weasel. If you have your coop as well protected as you say, a coon likely wouldn't be able to get in. A weasel will be able to get through holes that most people would never believe.

Peanuts will never attract a weasel, or most other predators for that matter. Weasels thrive on fresh blood, and usually attack the heads of birds, since there is a huge amount of blood flow through the head/neck area.

There is another possibility, and that is that a mink might be doing the killing. Mink are also able to get through tiny holes. However, a mink most likely would have killed all your birds. Mink are notorious for killing just for the fun of it.

I would try using a smelly type bait, such as a can of tuna, or something similar. If you have a trapper in your area, he likely would have some mink lure, and that should also help to attract a weasel. Good luck!