What got into my run? ***PICS INCLUDED***

[cluckmecoop7]

So, I went outside to let the chickens out of their coop.... and I found this:

Note: All of the chickens are safe and sound.

Hole near gate: (Notice paw/foot prints)

Note that nipple water is tipped over and net is falling into run plus dirty water tub (it was clean yesterday)

Fence bent back:

Digging behind the run:

I'm not sure if this is anything, but a rock seems to be moved in the run.

Also, all of the chicken food that was in the run last night (leftover because I fed them right at bed time) was gone. I'm wondering what you think got into my chicken run?

 

[Painted Calls]

Almost looks like a dog maybe?

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Thanks for the quick reply!

I was thinking fox or raccoon at first. Who's dog would it be? I have neighbors on either side of me. The first neighbors don't have a dog. The other neighbors have a dog but they are on an island right now. Some neighbors a few houses up have an 8 year old lab and the next neighbors up a 1 year old Golden Retriever. I'm "friends" with both dogs sooo....

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Also, I think this happened at night.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

@Overo Mare?

 

[Painted Calls]

How big are the tracks? I do not see raccoon tracks. Fox is possible!

 

[cluckmecoop7]

I'll reply with detail soon.

 

[Starburst]

Hmm...this is rather odd. I don’t know what animals you have in your area, but it sounds like you have foxes...so that’s a possible suspect. Dogs would be another guess. It could be a coyote, but that hole looks too small for a coyote to fit. Regardless, I’m glad your chickens are safe!

 

[cluckmecoop7]

How big are the tracks? I do not see raccoon tracks. Fox is possible!

This is what makes me think it was a raccoon.

(Same picture, one with tracing.)

 

[Painted Calls]

Oh yep. I see it now. Tracks are so hard to see in pics. I thought I saw toe pads. That does appear to be a rear raccoon tootsie track.

Do you have a trail cam? If not, you should buy one and set it up.