What killed my pullets?

[mallorysinclair]

I lost two pullets last night. One was completely gone; I only found a bunch of feathers inside the run and then fewer feathers from when she was dragged across the yard and under the fence. The other pullet was lying dead in the run, with part of her stomach eaten. ( I don't think it was a raccoon for this reason...her head was still attached). I'm thinking an oppossum or skunk?

 

[Gallus Sapien]

Sorry for your loss

Were they in roost? Skunks don't climb so well.

 

[mallorysinclair]

They were in the coop, but I have an A-frame style and the roost is low to the floor. I made (obviously) a huge mistake and didn't secure the ramp...it could have walked right up.

 

[leadwolf1]

Could have been either one. I'm sorry for your loss. Maybe lock the door at night to keep the critters at bay...they will be back

 

[mallorysinclair]

Thanks for your response. I normally do keep them secured, but got home late and forgot to do it. : (

 

[ooptec]

hey,

A good dog outside on duty helps loads too.

Darn annoying losing birdies

cheers

 

[leadwolf1]

We've all been there, done that. I've left mine open a couple times and dreaded going out in the morning to see what might have happened to them...I've gotten lucky and they've been okay. Next time, I might not be so lucky. I think the only thing that saved me was the fact that my dogs' kennels are next to the coop and the smell of dogs might keep the predators at bay.