What predator could kill 10 chickens at once

[Folly's place]

This was daytime, so I think canines are more likely, unless these are all Silkies?
Mary

 

[Howard E]

This was daytime, so I think canines are more likely, unless these are all Silkies?
Mary

OP found them in the morning, but needs to clarify if they could have been killed in the overnight hours.

There are only a handful of predators that will accomplish multiple kills and each has a signature pattern. Dogs, coons, weasels/minks (or one of the cousins), fox and bobcats.

This one smacks of coon.

 

[cmom]

I had a coyote once jump over a 5' fence into a pen during the day. The birds scattered and several of the birds went over the fence out of the pen with the coyote in hot pursuit. I did loose three birds that day but did get a shot at the coyote but had the wrong ammo in the gun so even if I hit it, which I'm pretty sure I did, it might have stung it but didn't kill it and it ran off.

 

[Folly's place]

You are so right, I misread the story, and thought the attack was during the day.
Mary

 

[M Brennen]

Thank you. We have lost chickens to fox and weasel. Weasel is far worse as they dont kill for food but for fun. Killed my whole flock plus my rabbit. Left them all over my barn. That was horrible. Took a long time to get over that one.

That happened to me too. My birds were locked in the hen house. The only thing small enough to get in was a weasel or mink we did have a small dark creature on our game camera. The creature bit the head off the birds. It was traumatic.

 

[NCA]

I'm with you. Woke up this morning to find our flock of 7 ducklings destroyed. Heads off of all of them. Spread all over the place. Would it be a family of racoons? Some eaten down to nothing, others just the head missing. It is devastating. Incubated and hatched them. They literally loved to cuddle with us. Just beginning to feather out. We live on an acre in the wooded part of BUCKHEAD Atlanta. Cage was open. Something that really requires fingers. Don't think a fox could open it or would eat all of them. We have an owl around here, but don't think he would eat the entire batch and chew the heads off, right?

 

[cmom]

I'm with you. Woke up this morning to find our flock of 7 ducklings destroyed. Heads off of all of them. Spread all over the place. Would it be a family of racoons? Some eaten down to nothing, others just the head missing. It is devastating. Incubated and hatched them. They literally loved to cuddle with us. Just beginning to feather out. We live on an acre in the wooded part of BUCKHEAD Atlanta. Cage was open. Something that really requires fingers. Don't think a fox could open it or would eat all of them. We have an owl around here, but don't think he would eat the entire batch and chew the heads off, right?

If you have a game camera put it up. more than likely the predator has been lurking and then you will know for sure what you are dealing with. Good luck...

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome!
I'm so sorry for your birds, and opening latches sounds like a raccoon. Rats and weasels will kill many and take heads, but raccoons can open anything a small child can open.
Mary

 

[Folly's place]

Yes, set up a game camera. Post pictures of your coop and run, for help with upgrades. Most of us have been there and had to do that, and you can make it better, and start over.
Mary

 

[merrymutts]

Raccoons wiped out 2/3 of my baby birds this week.