what decapitates without consuming? *new info and new pics Pg.4*

[kari_dawn]

would an owl kill multiple birds across the entire yard? I know a fox will, but I have never experienced birds just being decapitated and not eatten...I know we have a very healthy fox population though

 

[sourland]

would an owl kill multiple birds across the entire yard? I know a fox will, but I have never experienced birds just being decapitated and not eatten...I know we have a very healthy fox population though

Several years ago there was a situation in Central Park, NYC where decapitated ducks/ducklings were being found. Initial supposition was that it was a 'satanic cult'. It was determined that a GHO was killing them and consuming their heads for the nutritious brains within. I'm not sure that this is their normal MO, but evidently it does happen.

 

[kari_dawn]

hm that's interesting. Zombie owl! It made me recheck my girls...nope, brain cases all intact...kinda think something did it for sport

 

[BroodyRoo]

Weasel. They behead and drink the blood. I am so sorry for your losses. I lost two just a few months ago this way.

 

[beefmaster]

a skunk or possum will take their heads off an drink the blood an leave the bodies.a fox will eat the chicken as dogs will eat it.a coon will take their heads off as well.

 

[kari_dawn]

would a weasel take three full sized birds? I guess that would make sense if they are unable to carry the body off with them. That is one predator that I didn't think of...though I would not be suprised to learn they are in the area.

I have a smaller coop right next to the main one that is metal and chicken wire (no hardware cloth), and it has babies in it. They are probably around 6 weeks? and the birds taken were taken off of a high roost. would a weasel pass up babies in chicken wire for full sized birds up on a roost?

Crap, if it's a weasel, I have got to do some SERIOUS fortification...they can squeeze into such small spaces!

I still don't think it was an opossum...the kills were spread too far, and seemed to require speed and dexterity that opies don't posess...and I think an opossum would only take one bird, not three

 

[chkn]

How sad. I've always loved the aracaunas. Karma has a real sweet eye. You keep her safe!!!

 

[Nslangton]

Sounds like a raccoon to me!!! A skunk would leave a faint odor. Opossums usually eat only the abdomen. Weasels usually leave the bird looking somewhat deflated because they feed on the blood. Sorry for your loss, hope they don't come back. An owl would only take one bird at a time and take it with them. Hope this helps!!!

 

[kari_dawn]

I will certainly try...she is quite lost without Cider.

 

[keesmom]

Fishers will also eat just the heads. I interrupted one doing so a couple months ago. Luckily it only killed 2 before I got out there, or it would have killed the whole lot.

It ripped the fencing off the top corner of an enclosed run to get in there.