What predator could have killed my chickens?

[aart]

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

You have to upload vids to youtube or vimeo then link on BYC

 

[PattyNH]

I have been in the same situation. I love animals and could never imagine hurting one. After running out in the middle of the night on numerous occasions to try to save my terrified, screaming hens my mind has been changed. I have 2 hens left that now run to me when they see a predator. I have saved these two on two separate occasions in the last few weeks. Trust me, running out in the dark in the middle of the night knowing there is a predator out trying to make a meal out of my girls, when I know we have not only racoons, weasels, and opposums around but also bears, Bobcats, and who knows what else, is terrifying. I have done it. The whole time I am out there, in the dark, I know there could (and probably is) one of these predators only a few feet/yards from me as I search for my hens trying to save them from harm. At some point the switch flipped. Not only am I not willing to risk my hens to these predators, but I am also not willing to risk my life trying to protect them. So my thoughts on whether or not to kill a predator have changed. I know that if I am not willing to stop (kill) them then I must be willing to sacrifice my hens. And that is not something I am willing to do. The thought of killing an animal makes me sick. But so does the thought of having my animals, who expect me to protect them, get ripped apart. It is a line that gets drawn in the sand. I'm not saying that everyone should agree but just wanted to share what my thoughts/decision has been with you all.

 

[WthrLady]

Oh I bawled like a baby after killing my first fox. Even though she had killed two of my very much loved birds and wounded several other.

I don't anymore. (I've also run out in the middle of the night. Heck, once I "slept" in the coop, so I could shoot the red devil from the inside out as he stalked the coop at dawn.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

I... 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...

Animal husbantry is all about keeping the animals that you own or heard safe. Killing an animal predator or vermin is only doing what you have to do to keep your chickens alive.

 

[WthrLady]

Bas I tell my neighbors. I am not running a KFC buffet.

 

[Helloworld]

Eagles rip out a large breast area and vultures take the bowel. They were interrupted.

 

[jayewallace]

As I said before I will remain very vigilant in protecting my birds as their safety is obviously my primary concern. But if there is a way to keep them safe and alive whilst also sparing the fox then that is my preferred route. To each his own. It would be irresponsible of me to allow them to free range at this point to ensure their safety, so I am going to give it a few months and keep an eye on the situation and then reevaluate. I have contacted a wildlife removal company and they will try to trap the animal and relocate it to a more suitable location.