Why would someone do this???

[mediazeal]

Get a video camera or game camera that activates with motion.
Have you called the sheriff? If someone is raiding farms for their poultry, you are most likely not the first.

Is the barn far from the house?
Too far to hear all the geese squawking etc at intruders?
Maybe a baby monitor inside the barn could help you hear if there is trouble and catch the thief or cirtters if they return.

So sorry for your loss.

 

[Davaroo]

Quote:
Im sorry for you. It is a shock for sure to find them all dead for no apparent reason. THis sort of thing raises more questions than answers.

One thing comes to mind - two legged predators. We dream of living in the country, where it is peaceful, but there as many miscreants out there as anywhere else. The fact that the door was opened, not dug into, torn up or anything like that seems to point in that direction.
You imply the latch was worked. Assuming it is a regular latch and unreachable by any but a human. And the fact that it happened at night, also points there. As we all know, very little good happens late at night.
Sounds like someone got in and then it was fair game. Was anything else taken, like tools?
Is it possible that one of your kids has taken up sleep walking? I mean, stranger things have happened.

Where were the dogs? Shouldn't at least one should be outside at night, the best watchdog you have?

At first, I wanted to blame the nearest dog. I dont want to irritate dog lovers, but in my experience, dogs are hardly subtle. They would do that sort of thing - work open the door, rush in and stir all the critters out. Once outside it's a free for all. I've seen it happen.

Working the latch is not something a dog can normally do, however. I have seen them rear up on their hand legs and open refrigerators, so it is remotely possible, I suppose. Take a close look at the nearest dogs, just to be safe.

But it sounds like someone may need to take the night shift for a few weeks...and call the sheriff to investigate. Dont forget to get a copy of the report, too.

 

[sred98]

Yeah, this isn't a regular latch. I know a person opened it. It is hard to open and close. There are two big doors, and one has a bar that slides into a latch on the other door, then you turn it to lock. Unless you know how, it is difficult.

We don't have an outside dog right now. I had one, but it killed chickens, so it is no longer with us. Our inside dog has 3 week old puppies, so she is preoccupied right now, so not the best guard dog, unless someone comes in the house.

I have still found only one body. I examined it closer and did find wounds at the base of the tail, the same place as the BR. It sounds like at least one person, and 2 dogs. Why would someone let their dog kill my chickens for fun, though? And where are the freaking babies??

It is possible someone stole them. It would have to be someone I know, though. This is a small area. I'm keeping an eye on craigslist.

It sounds

 

[hicksonj]

This is a very bad situation. I would be very worried about my family's safety. Cruelty to animals signifies some serious issues, and when you run out of animals, these people are going to look for something else to hurt.

First, call the police and file a report. They won't do anything, but you will get in the system. Second, get a few motion activated flood lights with 200+watt bulbs. Third, come up with a family plan for protection. Those lights turn on, you should have a plan in place on how to keep the family safe. If you aren't comfortable or ready to handle a firearm, I would pickup a few cans of pepper spray. I'm talking about the bear sized cans that look like hornet spray. If the lights turn on, don't go out there, call the cops. Your safe zone is your home, so defend intrusion into the home and sit it out. I wouldn't use any force to protect your property, it just isn't worth the legal implications.

 

[Big Chicken Little]

Be safe call the cops... maybe they can find a clue. Sorry this happened, God Bless !!

 

[RevaVirginia]

Yes indeed, call the cops. I would have said that in my 1st post but it slips my mind, having a Presa Canario that eats people.

 

[rancher hicks]

Well, I am sorry for your loss and I hope you read this sred. I'm in NY so I don't know OK. Dog fighting is illegal here but that won't stop criminals.
I know from experience that jerks will let their dogs attack just for fun or "training".
In our old neighborhood a cat was killed by a dog as the owner was just going for a walk. They knew and I caught the dog in the act. Took the cat to the vets but it was too late.
Second I had a customer whose pitbull disappeared but then showed up days later with no ears.
Some suggestions.
Who ever did this couldn't get all the feathers off themselve so there may be evidence around their house.
File a report with the police.
There are low growing shrubs with thorns or prickers maybe you should buy some and plant them where there is access to your property. Barberry comes to mind.
Finally perhaps in a few days you could sprinkle some type of powder around the barn and door at night. Flour, baking soda, plant food, then when the perps walk through it they'll leave prints. You could wash it away in the morning and reapply it the last thing at night.

 

[TammyTX]

What a horrible thing to wake up to. My heart goes out to you!

I don't remember if you mentioned...is the barn a great distance from your home?

The reason I ask is because that type of carnage would cause a lot of noise and most humans would not be willing to put themselves at risk of being caught...animals, however, would not care.

I very much liked the idea mentioned of using the spring for the door. I like it so much I'm getting one for my coop door and chicken yard door.

Don't let this discourage you from starting again. It sounds like you very much enjoyed your pets.

 

[Mahonri]

So sorry for your loss.. you wake up to a NIGHTMARE!

As a kid I woke up in my pajamas milking the cow at 2AM... (I had put my rubber boots on though) yup, I was sleep walking.

Sounds like a human opened the door.

 

[Creativedogma]