What could it be???

[johnderosa1]

Divachick, sounds like raccoons to me as well. They are probably the most dangerous predator to backyard chickens. They can climb over, dig under or tear through chicken wire with ease. They are strong, persistant predators and are not afraid of entering a backyard. They will kill multiple birds at a time. Best to make sure the chickens are locked up tight at night and in a secure enclosure during the day. I always leave a trap set along the run to catch any critters that come by before they try to get at the chickens.

 

[DivaChick]

You are correct- those things are so pesky!!
Whatever it was the night before, was back last night!!!

but to his disapoinment-- we obviously did not replenish our flock a.) overnight and b.) untill the roof is put on!
We are also going to set up traps!
when we went outside last night to check on our new baby calf- a RACOON scurried out of our barn-
(where SOMETHING (cough) keeps getting into our Chicken feed) but he took off before we could shoot him--- the fox and the coon' have messed with the wrong silkies!!
in memory of all 9 of them--- justice wil be served

 

[JackE]

What you describe is EXACTLY what happened to me, twice, fox attack. I lost 9 the first time and 7 the second. Both were daytime attacks. The fox, if it has time will take multiple birds, leave nothing but piles of feathers scattered around, take the chickens away and bury them somewhere. The attacks we've had, happened within a couple of hours we were away both times. A dog will just kill and leave the mangled bodies for you to clean up, usually doesn't take anything away. Coon and possum attacks are rare in the daytime, but a fox is a 24hr threat.
Jack

 

[DivaChick]

youre exactly right! they just leave piles of feathers! i was literally speechless when my fiance called me yesterday and told me what happened

no blood-- just feathers, all eggs broken- two hens and five baby silkies--- poof! gone!! right out of their coop!! i had no idea a fox could scale a 7 ft wall wall of chicken wire--- uck! but whatever it is...gonna get caught, soon!

 

[JackE]

youre exactly right! they just leave piles of feathers! i was literally speechless when my fiance called me yesterday and told me what happened

no blood-- just feathers, all eggs broken- two hens and five baby silkies--- poof! gone!! right out of their coop!! i had no idea a fox could scale a 7 ft wall wall of chicken wire--- uck! but whatever it is...gonna get caught, soon!

I was responding to the thread starter. A fox can climb a fence. But what happened to you, at night, I would suspect a coon(Although it could be a fox). Sorry for your bad luck, I know how it feels to loose several chickens/pets in an attack. Fortify your coop.
Jack