What do you think this is?

[downsm75]

Hello fellow Ontarian!  The description of the hair and the fact that heads were eaten sounds like a raccoon to me.  We've had the exact same things happen hear and it turned out to be raccoons, confirmed on a security camera!  They were getting in where the roof met the wall, a space no bigger than 2 1/2 inches.  So we blocked those openings with 2x4 and got a trap from TSC and have trapped and shot four so far.  Haven't seen any in five weeks now and my I have not lost any more chickens.  Secure the coop, chicken wire doesn't keep out predators if you have any on windows or opeings. Predators can squeeze through unbelievably small spaces and are very diligent about finding ways in.  Now that they've found food, they'll be back.  Good luck! 

X2

 

[mmktdox]

mmktdox, do you think that something could get in wire cloth with wood around it??

songbird, that is awful and heart breaking. This animal that ate the chick's head, stashed the body underneath the barn (The barn is on bricks)

If it's fairly rigid wire cloth with small holes and it's very secure with wood strapping I think it would be okay. That's what we have for a window and it's been secure so far. If it's chicken wire I have heard of raccoons actually chewing through it. Hard to believe they can do that but I guess if they want it badly enough they just don't give up!

Where are you in Ontario?

 

[downsm75]

My coop/pen is made of eood and hardware cloth. Make sure you use SCREWS and there's a specific kind. My coop/run cost me 300 to build. I love it and so do my chickens

 

[TheHenHen]

Aww, so sad!

I feel bad for you!!! And just almost like you, there where blood splashes on the door of the barn. hope you feel better about it soon songbird!!

 

[TheHenHen]

mmktdox, We live near Orangeville an hour north of Toronto.

 

[TheHenHen]

downsm75, my dad built the barn with screws, but there was no run for the chicks, they when't where they wanted.

 

[leadwolf1]

I agree with mmktdox...the hair is the wrong color for an opossum. Sounds like the work of a mama coon and her kits.

 

[TheHenHen]

leadwolf1, so do you think that the mother took her kits out hunting??

 

[leadwolf1]

If they are getting close to weaning and they should be at this time of year...yes, she will take them out hunting and what better to start with then chickens that are already contained? Easy food and quick lesson on killing for the kits.

 

[TheHenHen]

leadwolf1, I think you solved my problem!!!!!