When It's Just Feathers Left? **SOLVED!**

[pixiechic]

Quote:
I'm in Cherokee County, GA and we have bobcats and coyotes. I haven't seen them, but they have been spotted within a couple of miles, and I have personally heard both at night. We also have lots of deer, and occasional bears.

Sorry to hear about your chickens...we lost a pullet recently, to a coyote I think. All that was left was her butt, legs, and lots of feathers.

 

[eggsgalore]

That's exactly what happened to my rooster and a favorite hen. I know for sure it was a bob cat because he came back for more two days later in broad day light, watched me and waited until I came back with the dogs before he took off.
This is about the time they are feeding their babies solid food. Cute kittens but I want to keep my chickies too.

 

[Knucker Hatch Farms]

UPDATE!!!

Mystery solved. I can't believe I am writing this. I was just heading out to the coop to feed my broody some yogurt when me and a coyote locked eyes and both stopped where we were headed. She was going out into the field, from under the cover of trees where I had found chicken feathers dragged. I dread my cat Bella and barn mouser also met that coyote.

I can't tell you how incredible it is for this area. We are in Gwinnett County, GA in a unusual greenspace surrounded by booming suburbia. I'm totally bummed. How am I supposed to compete with a coyote!?

So you guys were right. Don't doubt the BYC crowd. I was starting to believe you anyway but thinking more fox rather than coyote, and doing some research, and then what do ya know, she and I have a face to face. OIY. I'm relieved to have the mystery solved, but this isn't exactly what I had in mind.

I guess I'll try making some calls. Thanks for all of your contributions to this topic.

Warm Regards,

Mama Knucker Hatch.

 

[chickenannie]

We're starting to get a few coyotes in our area -- still very rare -- but I guess they're starting to come back.

When a hawk killed my half-grown chick, it left one huge pile of feathers with not a bit of flesh or bone anywhere to be seen.

 

[CoyoteMagic]

coyotes are survivors. If they can scavange up enough to eat, they will find something to kill. they are smart enough to learn from our human mistakes. Leaving food and trash out where they can get too it. Having cute little critters around that they can snack on. Not making things secure enough to keep them out.

Even smarter, a coy-dog. Spay and neuter those pets!!!

 

[Standard Hen]

Coyotes have actually been seen trotting down city streets. They are everywhere. Glad you solved it and at least now you know.

 

[pixiechic]

Sorry about the coyotes, but at least you know what you're dealing with. There's a lot of info on dealing with them over on the Predators thread, but it's not for the sensitive or squeamish. Keep us posted!

 

[Bi0sC0mp]

poisoned meat under that tree will tech him a lesson

 

[speckledhen]

Knucker Hatch Farms, I moved from Gwinnett County several years ago and I saw several coyotes crossing roads or dead on the side of the road, so I am not surprised!

 

[rooster-red]

The coyote population in Ga. has grown considerably in the last couple of years.

I'm just 2 exits West of Six Flags, and we have 2 packs ranging within a 5 mile radius around here, must be at least 50 coyotes.

My Aunt lives in Gwinett and has spotted 3 within the last 2 months, so they are there.