What Predator killed my flock?

[justbugged]

Quote:
I agree when the coyotes got my hens back in 2000, all we would see were just some feathers. The coyote would take one bird at a time, basically just what it needed for that day. The hawks would shred one bird. My daughter ended up saying that she hated the hawks, because they left such a mess. But 15 dead hens tends to be the work of a domestic dog. Dogs will jump fences and kill just because. They don't tend to eat the chickens, they kill for the fun of it.

 

[dainerra]

domestic dogs don't even realized that chickens are food. They don't kill "just because" They kill because they are having fun. They think all those little squeaky things are toys; they jump in and the squeaking turns into squawking and running and flapping. Even MORE fun! So they pounce on them SQUISH! oops, that one is broken. But there are plenty more running around.

Does your run have a roof? If not, dogs are likely your culprit. Especially since all the birds are accounted for.

 

[curious1969]

I also think a dog (or dogs) is your culprit. I had a dog come in and kill 68 birds early one morning (they ran free) and it sounds like you are describing the same horrible scene. So sorry for your loss

 

[chickenpiedpiper]

Quote:
This is classic dog behavior! I have watched dogs climb up and over fencing, so unless you have a roof on your coop, it could easily have been a dog. Also, Coyotes and fox dont kill for fun, they would have taken the birds away and eaten what they wanted.

Dogs think they are squeaky toys, and when they stop squeaking, they go get another one. Your rooster looks beat up cause he was doing his job and trying to defend the girls, probably saved the two with minor wounds, but the dog didnt want to play with something that fought back, toys dont fight back. That is why your Roo is still alive.

I know you dont think it was dog, but it really sounds like it was. Worst part is, he had such fun, he is going to come back. At least then, maybe you can catch him, and fine the crap out of his owners. Every one of your hens is worth minimum of $20.00 in feed and time and lost income. (I would charge more myself) It is no consolation, but at least the owners may try to contain thier dog when hit with a $250.00 bill!

I ad my condolences, and hope you catch the bugger.

 

[DinosRBirds]

well, winter is getting closer, and the predators are on the move. I'd be willing to bet that this monster is coming back, and when it does you need to be ready. i've even thought of staking out in the coop before when winter began.
you should probably check for a broken leg on your girl. the rest of your chickens probably died of fright. you should set a live trap and put one of the dead in it. bury the rest, and grab a shotgun.
since you have one left, you should sit in your coop with her, shotgun ready, and look through the pop hole(s) for the pred.
you should be willing to do this all night, or have a daughter or son do it for you.
thepred. should come back, so just wait, and then fire!

 

[blazensasha]

it sounds like a dog to me also,I had it happen to me years ago killed every bird save the rooster,saw the dog in the run ran to the house and grabbed the 45 but the dog got away when got I back.The owners paid for my hens and shot their own dog they said if it did it once it would do it again.I'm sorry for your loss.

 

[terrilhb]

I am so sorry for your loss.

 

[violetsky]

About the height of the fence, I've seen determined dogs climb 6 foot high chain link fences, and my bernese mountain dog, (big heavy not agile) hopped a four foot fence. I've also seen my neighbors snaggly toothed ankle biting mop that pees on my newpaper squeeze through the gate just to go bark at my chickens in the coop.
The neighbors dog is very old and you would think he'd have the strenght to push a 6 foot wooden gate with bungee ties hard enough to get in. Not that it matters but I also have mini horses that untie ropes and open just about any kind of gate. I have to keep combination locks on 4 gates and the barn so they don't let the her out or raid the grain bin.

 

[SteveBaz]

I just went through a horrible issue myself and lost all but 1. OMG I am so sorry for you and your family!!

 

[yinzerchick]

I'm so sorry!

How absolutely awful...

I hope you find the culprit and take care of it...