What kills turkeys, ducks, chickens and just leaves the carcasses?

[Cara]

Usually if a skunk gets hold of a live bird, it isn't pretty. I'd imagine a dog got the turkey too. You're best off removing the carcasses ASAP, as they will draw in other problem animals even if they were not the original culprit.

If you can borrow one, a game camera is great for finding out who's visiting, and who might pose a problem.

 

[jvls1942]

foxes have a similar skunkie odor..

If these are not your dogs, I cannot understand how you tolerate them on your property with your birds..

 

[BeakSanctuary]

I never heard of a game camera, but I'll look into it - I'm thinking it must be a kind of video recorder? I'm pretty sure I won't be able to borrow one because I don't know anyone who would have one.

And re dogs, we do chase them away when we see them, which is actually rare, like twice this year, but we haven't confronted any owners yet - though let me say that one unknown neighbor did call Aninal Control when my Pomeranian wandered, so I have no problem returning the favor if I can catch them over here. Especially with things being attacked.

Thanks for the information that foxes can smell skunky - didn't know that!

I did carry off the carcasses today - could have done it last night but I wasn't sure what I would do about reporting what happened, which was nothing. Next time I hope I remember that reporting something the next day is too different, evidence-wise, to be of any use. I hate to contact the authorities for fear I'll be the one on the wrong side of the law for some reason about keeping the birds.

All birds were locked up inside the pen all day today and I was able to prove to myself that they can't get out under the gates because I've made some rolled wire blockings. The turkeys can fly to the top of the fence or over when they want to, though - but the one who is injured is too heavy to fly.

 

[chickorama]

Dogs.. or raccoons.

 

[Cara]

A game camera (or trail camera) is a motion-activated camera that you leave set up outside, usually strapped to a tree or fence. They're handy for catching human trespassers too

Here's an example:

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...&parentType=index&indexId=cat20098&hasJS=true

Academy have a nice 5MP one for $79.

 

[BeakSanctuary]

Thanks, I DO see the utility of such a thing (trail camera), for sure! I don't think I was going to think of that on my own and it beats scouting out the area on my own which, I admit, freaks me out with a flashlight. I wouldn't even want to see any big dogs out there in the dark.

I'm grateful and intrigued over how my injured turkey was able to escape the jaws of death. She usually waddles around and she's the most unlikey one I can think of to evade an attack. I'm still madly hoping nothing is coming IN the pen to do that kind of thing.