who's the predator?

[JTPhillips]

Hello fellow chicken owners. I have typically dealt with the lovely fox predator issues in the past, but going on year 4 of being a chicken owner I have a new type of predator that just attacked my flock today. Unfortunately this masked bandit was successful with one of my barred rocks. I was able to follow the trail of feathers (typically not expecting to find anything), when by surprise I came upon her still warm and whole body. I was hoping she was playing dead as she appeared to be whole. I started to investigate her body when I discovered multiple holes (about the tip of a pencil eraser) along her back and under one of the wings (arm pit). I was literally in the house and just let them out to free range for the day. I never heard a thing, it walked a good distance with her to the back woods, and managed to do this very quickly. Absolutely no blood... who am I dealing with this year? Ugh...

 

[sylviethecochin]

@A_Fowl_Guy ?

 

[Shanny123]

Hello fellow chicken owners. I have typically dealt with the lovely fox predator issues in the past, but going on year 4 of being a chicken owner I have a new type of predator that just attacked my flock today. Unfortunately this masked bandit was successful with one of my barred rocks. I was able to follow the trail of feathers (typically not expecting to find anything), when by surprise I came upon her still warm and whole body. I was hoping she was playing dead as she appeared to be whole. I started to investigate her body when I discovered multiple holes (about the tip of a pencil eraser) along her back and under one of the wings (arm pit). I was literally in the house and just let them out to free range for the day. I never heard a thing, it walked a good distance with her to the back woods, and managed to do this very quickly. Absolutely no blood... who am I dealing with this year? Ugh...

Bobcat? Mountain lion?

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

Probably a canid. Coyote or domestic dog. Where are you located at? That can eliminate some predators.

 

[americanchicks]

Yep I agree. Sounds like a k9 to me as well. If she was still warm you may of scared if off. Sorry about your BR

 

[JTPhillips]

really? I was certain this could of been the doing of a weasel … I have a Doberman that runs free on the premises and has been a great protector for the chickens. She recognizes the hawk threats and even the alert noises the girls will make. This happened in the middle of the day. Idk... the whole things just seems odd. I've had plenty of fox attacks and usually all I ever find is a pile of feathers. My dog has already chased off 1 fox last week.

 

[JTPhillips]

Probably a canid. Coyote or domestic dog. Where are you located at? That can eliminate some predators.

I live in upstate NY, weather is just starting to break here. We have a lot of fox, coyote, weasels, and even bobcats had been spotted here.

 

[Shanny123]

really? I was certain this could of been the doing of a weasel … I have a Doberman that runs free on the premises and has been a great protector for the chickens. She recognizes the hawk threats and even the alert noises the girls will make. This happened in the middle of the day. Idk... the whole things just seems odd. I've had plenty of fox attacks and usually all I ever find is a pile of feathers. My dog has already chased off 1 fox last week.

We found a silver fox on our front porch last Halloween eyeing the big jack o lantern . Maybe mice were in the pumpkin getting seeds? Well now that we have hens, we're very concerned for their safety from the fox. Can you suggest any particular actions we should take to make our yard and their pen fox-safe? Thank you.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

We found a silver fox on our front porch last Halloween eyeing the big jack o lantern . Maybe mice were in the pumpkin getting seeds? Well now that we have hens, we're very concerned for their safety from the fox. Can you suggest any particular actions we should take to make our yard and their pen fox-safe? Thank you.

If the fox really starts to bother, I would put up electric fencing. Read something on how to do it because I'm not to sure. Also, if it is aloud, I would SSS. (Shoot, shovel, shut up.)

Good luck!

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Hello fellow chicken owners. I have typically dealt with the lovely fox predator issues in the past, but going on year 4 of being a chicken owner I have a new type of predator that just attacked my flock today. Unfortunately this masked bandit was successful with one of my barred rocks. I was able to follow the trail of feathers (typically not expecting to find anything), when by surprise I came upon her still warm and whole body. I was hoping she was playing dead as she appeared to be whole. I started to investigate her body when I discovered multiple holes (about the tip of a pencil eraser) along her back and under one of the wings (arm pit). I was literally in the house and just let them out to free range for the day. I never heard a thing, it walked a good distance with her to the back woods, and managed to do this very quickly. Absolutely no blood... who am I dealing with this year? Ugh...

I'm so sorry about your chicken. I would think it was a bobcat.