What Predator Got My Chickens

[Terkim99]

Hello, I recently joined the forum. I have been raising chickens in Michigan for about 6 years. When we first built our coop and run, we tried to secure it as much as possible, and we have never had a problem with predators in the coop before. We live on 10 acres in the woods, so predators are plentiful. The other day, I went out to the yard and found 5 of my 6 birds dead. There was no blood and it almost looked as if something killed them, but did not eat them. We found a small hold in the chicken wire of the coop. Any ideas of what this was that got in? Thanks!!

 

[Abriana]

Maybe a weasel. Some can squeeze through holes less than an inch. Predators can rip thru chicken wire with ease, so use hardware cloth instead. Their kill instinct is triggered my movement-not hunger, which is why you find many birds dead, but not eaten. I'm sorry for your loss! Its so hard to lose pets. I'm still after the hawks that killed a pullet last December (only predator issue I've had since i got my birds March 2016!).

 

[DakotaDreamer]

I agree with Abriana. It sounds like a weasel.

 

[Bluechick2u]

Or a skunk maybe, they are super good at killing thru a small hole

 

[Terkim99]

I said "small" hole, but I guess I should qualify what i mean. It was a hole in the chicken wire, the size of a dessert plate (5" diameter).

 

[Bluechick2u]

Any but the largest dog could get thru that, and dogs love to kill chickens for sport, not to eat.

 

[FatHenAssociation]

I would say weasel as well. I've read they can fit through extremely small spaces. I would also say raccoon as well, because I've read the same about them, but from experience and reading I've learned they tend to get into the stomach and necks. Can you set a trap? My husband and I set a few traps after ours were attacked and could only trap a raccoon. We set traps a few times a month as a precaution now as well. Good luck! Sorry for your loss, I know how hard it is.

 

[Terkim99]

Thanks for all the replies. We've shored-up the chicken run and hope this keeps the predators out. We've seen a lot of racoons and foxes in the area lately. Thanks again.