What would do this? (Graphic)

[rrgrassi]

I am now down to just one RIR hen. It all started about a month ago...I bought two younger RIR hens and one Golden Silkie

A week ago, I found what was left of my silkie. At that point I cut back the elm tree that was touching the top of the coop.

I added flashing around all the trees last year to keep coons and possums from climbing the trees.

Last Tuesday, I found one RIR to me missing, and the other to have its head and neck missing. I found her just out side of the coop entrance.

Today, I find the rooster missing without a trace, and one of the older RIR with her head and neck missing, body slpayed open and a wing torn off. I found the silkie like this as well, but her wings were intact. I did take a pic of the carnage.

Nothing was caught in the trap. I do know that coyotes and bobcats are in the area. I have trapped and killed plenty of coons, possums and the occasional skunk.

Thanks!

 

[redsoxs]

The head and neck missing sounds like a hawk or owl. The pic looks like coyote or maybe raccoon. Sorry something got to your birds.

 

[rrgrassi]

Thanks for the info!

What can carry off a full grown Amercana Rooster?

 

[sourland]

A coyote , bobcat, or even a fox could readily carry off a full size bird. As far as flying predators, only an eagle could manage the job.

 

[rrgrassi]

I have been baiting a trap, and nothing goes in. A coyote will not fit, but a fox should, and big coons do also.

There is an eagle sanctuary about 40 miles east of here.

Thanks for the info!

I live just west of Greenville, TX.

 

[Hillschicks]

Bait your traps with that dead body... A mink and other weasels will bite off the head and suck the blood right out, but generally will go on a killing spree and kill all the chickens first... Possum like to eat out the stomache area... Coons like to eat wings n such... Coon or possum both could carry a chicken away and eat it somewhere... As could a coyote, fox or anything... And dont for a second think only an eagle could carry away a large rooster... A hawk will **** sure try