I came home from work two nights ago at around 10pm and found my Rooster (who was a very large one) laying in my yard. He was decapitated and there was no head anywhere. There was also no blood. Something tried to tear off his leg..or so it appeared and his chest was very bruised up. He also had a hole in his back.. What the hell did this? I live on the Mattawoman. Would Raccoons do this? I have two other chickens that were in the bushes in shock and they will not even go outside now. Any Ideas?
I read online that Raccoons will tear the head off and drink the blood from the neck. The reason I am doubting bird of prey is that it looks like whatever it was tried to rip the leg off....his whole inner thigh was tore as if something was trying to remove the leg. I dont think an owl would do that.
I came home from work two nights ago at around 10pm and found my Rooster (who was a very large one) laying in my yard. He was decapitated and there was no head anywhere. There was also no blood. Something tried to tear off his leg..or so it appeared and his chest was very bruised up. He also had a hole in his back.. What the hell did this? I live on the Mattawoman. Would Raccoons do this? I have two other chickens that were in the bushes in shock and they will not even go outside now. Any Ideas?
Skinny1 - Sorry about your roosterdefinitely a pitbull.
Ok here's a serious answer.It's not funny at all. I have no idea what could have done it, but I wanted you to know I dont find it amusing and I feel for your frustration.
Good point!You would cry too if you came home and your c@ck was dead.
Owls and possums typically behead animals and leave the body. A fox would have taken the body.
That's 2 for the opossum theory. I have opossums in my area, no owls that I'm aware of. It was a nocturnal crime and occured during the small drought we had, which might explain why they decided to go for my ducks after leaving them be for 2 years. It's making more sense now, thanks cowgirl.
I still miss my ducks.
I hope Toppick didn't choke your chicken.
Whoa. opoosums KILL things? I knew they ate a bunch of things..but actually kill something? that is terrifying. I can just see it coming after my neck in the night.
I'm thinking if you aren't sleeping in a ditch you should be fine. :shrug:
Seriously. I am terrified now. I'm gonna have to leave my windows closed and such now. I always thought they were so cute. who thought they could rip a chickens head from its neck.. thats gotta take at least a little strength.