What predator could have killed my chickens?

[Akrnaf2]

this afternoon some time between 2:30 and 4:00 pm something ran through and managed to kill 2 of my hens and my guinea. There were not taken though. 2 of them had large bite marks, chunks missing, and one ripped open with intestines out. 2 more of my hens are missing. They were spread out with feathers everywhere and the 3 dead birds spread out between 250 feet distance. The feathers of my 2 missing hens are also everywhere. What would cause this much damage over such a distance and leave 3 of the 5 dead birds behind?? We have had chickens for 3 years and only recently (about 3 months ago) had our first attack where 2 were missing and 1 dead guinea that was scratched. But this seemed much different and more violent than that attack. So very upsetting. And I was home and didn’t hear anything!

I think that it is fox. I don't think that dog would take a chicken, or 2 with him.

 

[roosterhavoc]

Might want to read the thread first.

 

[jayewallace]

Got it on video again today at 2:31 pm. I didn't know foxes were so active during the day!

 

[roosterhavoc]

Got it on video again today at 2:31 pm. I didn't know foxes were so active during the day!

Can you try to catch him or shoot him?

 

[aart]

Might want to read the thread first.

Maybe he did!

 

[jayewallace]

Can you try to catch him or shoot him?

I don't have a trap and am opposed to killing it. I definitely want to keep my chickens safe so will keep them in their coop/run for the time being...but just don't feel right about killing an animal that is just doing what it has to do to survive. It could even have young to take care of. Certainly not going to offer my chickens but I am an animal lover so will do whatever I can to keep them safe without harming the fox. I know everyone is going to go crazy over me saying I won't hurt the fox but that's ok. That's just how I am. I will be vigilant in protecting my remaining chickens. From what I can gather not many are able to successfully let their chickens free range anyway. Just so unfortunate that we went 2 years without a single attack or loss and now in the past few months I have lost 7 hens, a rooster and 2 guineas in 2 separate attacks.
Is it normal for foxes to be so active during the daytime??

 

[roosterhavoc]

I don't have a trap and am opposed to killing it. I definitely want to keep my chickens safe so will keep them in their coop/run for the time being...but just don't feel right about killing an animal that is just doing what it has to do to survive. It could even have young to take care of. Certainly not going to offer my chickens but I am an animal lover so will do whatever I can to keep them safe without harming the fox. I know everyone is going to go crazy over me saying I won't hurt the fox but that's ok. That's just how I am. I will be vigilant in protecting my remaining chickens. From what I can gather not many are able to successfully let their chickens free range anyway. Just so unfortunate that we went 2 years without a single attack or loss and now in the past few months I have lost 7 hens, a rooster and 2 guineas in 2 separate attacks.
Is it normal for foxes to be so active during the daytime??

The young have already left. There is sometimes a female that will stay with the mother a year or so. She will be able to take care of herself by now though. When you have chickens it’s normal for them to come whenever they’re hungry.
Just know that no matter how well you protect your birds having a fox stalking them during the day through the fence would be the equivalent of a bear or mountain lion outside your front door. You might have egg laying issues.
It’s entirely up to you to do what’s best. Just remember you’ve altered the balance by adding chickens that’s why the fox is coming.

 

[jayewallace]

 

[jayewallace]

For some reason my video won't download but here is a screenshot of the video from my computer. Ugh!

 

[roosterhavoc]

Foxes that come during the day like that are obviously pretty bold. If your not planning on killing him keep the chickens locked up forever unless you’re willing to lose a few.