What type of predator could have caused this? :(

[shbouton]

I'm sorry for your loss. I'm glad that you identified the culprit and contacted the owner to work out a resolution. We never know how good our predator proofing is, until we are shown that it isn't good enough. Sharing the experience here will help others, as difficult as it is to go through it, be glad you shared.

You are so right! Thank you so much for posting!

 

[shbouton]

Dogs can certainly tear hardware cloth like that. We had rabbits at one time and their cages were made with actual fence wire and hardware cloth and they ripped it apart with no problem. Animals are a lot stronger than you would expect and can fit into holes you think are to small, but they can and will.Try hunting a deer you shoot and have to trail it through the woods. Wild animals are especially strong willed. I just did it the other night.That hair did look very much like coon hair, but the hair of a Husky is much like that and a husky is a tame version of the wolf . it is very close kin to one.So it could have been either one. i'd put money on the husky.

Thank you for your input! It definitely appears I learn everything the hard way...

 

[shbouton]

I have no answer for you but a heart felt "I'm so sorry" because they were not "just" chickens but family members. Hopefully, all will be well . Hugs from Spain.

Thank you so much!

 

[shbouton]

Could have easily been a dog. Next to hawks, they are the worst predator I've ever had to deal with. You have a nice coop, but I would replace all of the netting and chicken wire with something tougher like hardware cloth or turkey wire. And maybe consider an electric fence for added protection.

No kidding, EVERYTHING loves chicken! I replaced it with tin sheeting and the electric fence is next. Thanks!

 

[shbouton]

I'm glad you discovered the predator. I have several game cameras on my property. Most nights I see predators roaming on at least one of the game cameras, I have 7 cameras. It was curiosity for putting the first one up. We have several acres and live in Florida too.
I did get a picture of a coyote trotting up our road which is a dead end but the predators use it like a highway. This was last night.
View attachment 1941040

Holy cow!

 

[shbouton]

When you lost your chickens to a hawk did the hawk carry off your girls without even leaving a feather behind. I have had chickens for 3.5 years and never had a problem leaving the coops open until these 3 girls disappeared. Was a hawk the thief or a human stealing them?
I am sorry for your lose and now I know what it is like to lose chickens since I lost mine since I lost my pets.

When it was a hawk, they tended to leave feathers behind... But not every time.... And thank you! Was it in broad daylight or at night?

 

[shbouton]

Sorry for your loss. That is really sad. I'm glad that the dogs' owner is accepting responsibility and will indeed keep them contained in the future. I wonder why they can't be in the house with the baby? That seems a little strange to me. I have never heard of anyone doing that.

I'm guessing since they have aggressive tendencies they didn't want to chance it with a newborn... Can't say I blame them...

 

[shbouton]

Looks like husky hair to me or skunk but I’m leaning to husky . Chickens get scared they flap around try to fly , probably allowed it to grab them like bobbing for apples. I’m in New York , your coop is nice but your hens wouldn’t last one night here

You are absolutely right, it was husky and I'm guessing that's exactly how it happened... Thanks for your input...

 

[shbouton]

Hi. Looks like in your picture that the top side area of your coop was destroyed by the predictor? If I'm right I would think it would have to be a climber. Which I would think would be a coon. A fox will come at all times of the day. Could be a coyote. Do you have a light above your coop? Coyote don't like lights on them at night. At least that is what I have found to be true. But a coon usually won't kill a bunch at a time. That's something "playing". I would put out a trail cam and watch because it will be back. I would put money on either the coyote or dogs if there were another way they got in. Sorry for your loss. It's sad when things like this happens.

It was definitely the dogs, thanks for your input.

 

[shbouton]

Could have easily been a dog. Next to hawks, they are the worst predator I've ever had to deal with. You have a nice coop, but I would replace all of the netting and chicken wire with something tougher like hardware cloth or turkey wire. And maybe consider an electric fence for added protection.

There is now tin on the door and openings and the electric fence is next. Starting to think I may just bring them all inside and chance salmonella...