what can chew through chicken wire, kill chickens, but not eat them?

[wvchics]

Dead but not eaten?

Yeah it left them dead on the floor. It was coming and taking one at a time then it just killed them all it was really weird.

 

[Sydnee Fisher]

I just realized I liked @wvchics post about a animal leaving a chicken dead...

 

[Roxanne c.28]

I'd bet raccoon or weasel. Coons will eat the head and leave

 

[wvchics]

I would recommend setting out fly bait. It doesn't kill animals that can vomit. Raccoons cannot. They drop dead almost instantly. I'm not a huge fan of poison, but when I have a coon coming in I set it out just for the night and clean it up first thing in the morning. I make sure I tell all my neighbors I'm putting it out so they can make sure their animals are in. I believe it will still make them sick.

 

[lilmagill]

Dear heartbroken,
Lots of things will tear chicken wire. That's why a lot of us here at BYC like hardware cloth.

Sounds like it's killing for sport. How bug is the hole? Could it be the neighbor's dog? A well-fed raccoon?

I am getting my coop reinforced. I cannot find hardware cloth anywhere in my area. Tractor supply, southern states etc. does not carry it. I can order it through Amazon though and need to know what to buy. The guy that is going to do the work on my coop found a 2" x 2" 14 gauge wire. That seems like a big hole to me, but that's what he used on a friend's run who lives deeper in the country, and she's had no problems. Guidance please? Thank you.

 

[B Redhawk]

WOW, TSC stores here carry a multitude of suitable wire fencing. Rabbit cage wire, 1/2 inch hardware mesh, Rabbit fencing. Sorry your store doesn't carry it but since it is sold by most TSC stores, perhaps they would order it for you.
2x2 could work but coons can reach through and if they get a paw on a chicken, they will kill it just to kill it.

 

[Beer can]

My guess would be a weasel. They usually just pop the heads off. And kill every chicken if they can. Chipmunk size terrorists.

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

I am getting my coop reinforced. I cannot find hardware cloth anywhere in my area. Tractor supply, southern states etc. does not carry it. I can order it through Amazon though and need to know what to buy. The guy that is going to do the work on my coop found a 2" x 2" 14 gauge wire. That seems like a big hole to me, but that's what he used on a friend's run who lives deeper in the country, and she's had no problems. Guidance please? Thank you.

Both Lowes and Home Depot carry hardware cloth. Look in the garden/outdoor section.
http://www.homedepot.com/s/hardware%20cloth?NCNI-5

 

[Fanci Feathers Marans]

I am getting my coop reinforced. I cannot find hardware cloth anywhere in my area. Tractor supply, southern states etc. does not carry it. I can order it through Amazon though and need to know what to buy. The guy that is going to do the work on my coop found a 2" x 2" 14 gauge wire. That seems like a big hole to me, but that's what he used on a friend's run who lives deeper in the country, and she's had no problems. Guidance please? Thank you.

Since you mentioned Tractor Supply first, I will assume it's your go-to for feed. Consider going online and having the hardware cloth shipped to your store. Then pick it up when you get feed.

 

[aart]

Since you mentioned Tractor Supply first, I will assume it's your go-to for feed. Consider going online and having the hardware cloth shipped to your store. Then pick it up when you get feed.

They'll charge you shipping, was like $60-80 when I asked.
Best place to buy HC is on amazon, cost of products gets you free shipping.