What predator would pile up dead chickens?

[Roosterfeather]

Sounds like a weasel to me.

 

[McChooky]

Neither one of them was during the time they have young so that wasn't it. I had seen that particular racoon around before. Yes, our coop is well protected. They were free ranging and I forgot to close the run door two nights in a row. I've got an automatic coop door now so no issues.

"I have had multiple mass slaughters of my flock due to racoons"

Raccoons care for their young a year after they're born.If you have one you have more.They like to bring the whole family for dinner

 

[2 Acres]

Domestic dog.

Yup......

 

[Blackavar]

Animals absolutely do have "fun" with hunting and their prey. It doesn't require an understanding of "taking

And they do not kill for sport. Or fun. Or trophies. They stockpile for food. When it comes to kill or be killed, only humans can risk killing for sport. Those animals that are lucky enough to expend energy on activities not critical to survival get to enjoy some fun.

Don't know if it strikes anyone else as interesting that so many humans have no problem assigning the motivation of "sport" or "spite" to non-human animals but the thread on chickens feeling love or affection is chalked up to anthropomorphism.

Affection isn't unique to humans. Grief, joy, compassion , and "fun" are also observed in animals. Whales and primates are the most obvious examples. Heck, even bees will play with balls for no other reason than "fun". Chickens might fee affection, while not understanding it.

Emotions, and on a grander scale, sapience, are extremely complicated, but it's becoming apparent that neither is unique to humans.