What predator is this? (graphic)

[benthere-donethat]

Hi everyone. I lost six chicks last week - I have two Catawba Coops - something dug under the pen and took them in the night after I forgot to lock them up. I assumed it was a fox or coyote since it ate 6 chicks (about a month old) and left no trail.

Last night, I lost eight more. This time, the predator opened the latch that holds the door closed. 3 are completely missing. The other 5 are laying around the pen with their throats and stomachs torn. Sorry to be graphic: their heads are not missing, just their crops. And their entrails are strung out... I know that raccoons often take the heads, but what about stomachs?

Thanks...

 

[CupOJoe42]

Sounds like a raccoon to me.

 

[flowergirl60]

If it opened the latch I say raccoon. Sorry for your loss.

 

[bryan99705]

Yep, coon or possum. Replace the latch with one a little more complicated and consider a permimeter ringed with electric fence. The coon will hit it and have Phyliss Diller hair!

 

[Spud Chicken]

Coon sounds like the culprit. You may consider calling your local animal control they might let you barrow live animal traps so you can catch the culprit, and have him relocated or disposed of.