Just got a text from my grandson. 15 of his chickens were killed overnight. He said feathers everywhere and minimal to no blood. I'll have to wait until after work to investigate. Any guesses as to what the culprit is? TIA

Weasel

Or mink never had experience with weasel in chicken house

Either of the above or coon maybe?

Thanks guys. A little more info trickling in, he says the rooster came after his Gramma and she just got rid of it a couple days ago.

This is in a extremely rural setting with a creek passing near by so a mink or weasel seems about right.

None of the Chickens are missing.

Ermine

I live on top of the Mt no water around for miles an have caught 2 mink right by the chicken coop this year ..just inspect the carcasses should give you a better answer

Yep, I would say weasel or mink. The killer will be back at the crime scene so if you have a camera set it up in the hen house. Setup a weasel/mink box right along the hen house on the outside and bait in the back of box with fish/smelt etc..

sounds like a mink

Thanks again guys! I'm going to set a couple Weasel/ Mink boxes. I believe the boxes I have the entrance hole is 1 1/4" is that sufficient for mink?

You'll get a lot of opinions, but 1-1/4" is small I would say 2-1/2" for mink

Open up one end and use a 120 with a trip wire.

I see more mink roaming the timber deer hunting than anywhere

Thank you! That's what I thought. I originally made them for Weasels.

That's how I roll- trip wire or pan

I never heard of mink hunting deer before!

Our friend lost 4 to a weasel, he found it in the ceiling insulation, shot it

Trapping barn rats in the chicken and pig barn, picked up this mink in the window sill set lol. 5’ from the chickens no harm was done

Good job

Did you catch the culprit?