I keep 2 #1 jump traps set in my dirt floored pole barn, the back of which is my chicken house. Set blind against the wall, these old traps (I do not know the make but they are the ones with 2 holes in the pan) have higher jaws than most other #1 jumps. There are no better traps to catch barn rats in my book. If a rat tries to move in I have it caught within a day, almost all are caught across the chest. Well, today during the day I caught this weasel as she was headed for my chickens. Rarely see a weasel around here. When I was a kid in the 50's they were very common, usta' catch them in my skunk traps. First pic is the set, second the catch, by the neck.

That's just good husbandry right there.

I think the trap might be an old Triumph?

Good catch. That little guy would've likely caused some carnage in the chicken house.

Your photo made me think of this guy. He is in the same predicament after stepping on an dogless montie

So what kind of critter would kill poults and stash them between 2 hay bales in a tight space?

It pays to be prepared. Nice catch

Are you sure they were killed? I have young chickens that fall behind bales and can't get out every year. We stack small squares in our barn and the chicken roost in the barn every night. Every year we find a few that fall in the small cracks and voids......
Just like my cattle waterer - new chicks and ducklings get in and can't get out

WTG! The traps are likely B&L's.