What type of predator could have caused this? :(

[shbouton]

Well if it was snipped could it have been a human? Along with the dogs?

Highly unlikely

 

[shbouton]

My vote is also for those dogs you saw. They are the worst predators I've had to deal with. I've personally dealt with dogs ripping into my bird runs from above! Agree with @ChickenCanoe — dogs and mink/weasels are the only things that kill in high numbers for fun.

Thank you, sadly the consensus seems to be dog... Will a dog eat a chicken? Or is that a dumb question...

 

[Conan]

Thank you, sadly the consensus seems to be dog... Will a dog eat a chicken? Or is that a dumb question...

They will, indeed. Most dogs that I've had to deal with are just doing it for fun, though.

 

[chrissynemetz]

I'm so sorry this happened
I do agree that it was likely the dogs who did it. Sometimes they'll eat chickens they kill, sometimes they don't.

 

[shbouton]

I'm so sorry this happened
I do agree that it was likely the dogs who did it. Sometimes they'll eat chickens they kill, sometimes they don't.

Thank you so much, it is heartbreaking...

 

[ChickenCanoe]

When I've had big dog kills, they just killed most and maybe a nibble out of one or two. They were pet dogs so were well fed. If they were feral dogs, they would have eaten more.
Rest assured, if you keep chickens long enough, you will encounter every type of predator in your area.
You also do have American Mink and 3 species of weasels.
https://www.nsis.org/wildlife/mamm/weasel.html
https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/mink/Default.aspx

 

[shbouton]

As much as I don't want it to be, it certainly appears that everyone is in agreement that it was the dog/dogs. I will be calling animal control to report. Thanks again for all of the advice and compassion.

 

[shbouton]

When I've had big dog kills, they just killed most and maybe a nibble out of one or two. They were pet dogs so were well fed. If they were feral dogs, they would have eaten more.
Rest assured, if you keep chickens long enough, you will encounter every type of predator in your area.
You also do have American Mink and 3 species of weasels.
https://www.nsis.org/wildlife/mamm/weasel.html
https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/mink/Default.aspx

Yeah, I'm not sure my heart can take any more predators. Thank you for all of your advice and information, I've learned a lot. I will be calling animal control to report.

 

[centrarchid]

My dogs, especially pregnant female, eat chickens almost in their entirety where only wing and tail feathers are left as remains.

 

[shbouton]

My dogs, especially pregnant female, eat chickens almost in their entirety where only wing and tail feathers are left as remains.

So sad...thank you for your comment.