Weasels are sneaky little predators that can wreak havoc on a flock of chickens. Their slender bodies allow them to slip into chicken coops through the smallest of openings. Once inside, their powerful jaws and sharp teeth make quick work of killing chickens. But how exactly does a weasel take down a chicken? Here’s a look at the weasel’s methods.
The Weasel’s Anatomy
Weasels have long tubular bodies with short legs. This shape allows them to pursue prey into burrows and other confined spaces. Their skulls are triangular with powerful jaw muscles and sharp pointed teeth. Weasels have one of the strongest bites relative to their size in the animal kingdom.
The long-tailed weasel is the species most likely to raid a chicken coop. It measures 11-16 inches long from head to tail tip. Males are larger than females. They have brown fur with a white belly and black-tipped tail. In winter they molt into all white fur.
Hunting Behavior
Weasels are ferocious hunters. They mainly eat small mammals like mice voles, rabbits and chipmunks. But they will also prey on birds, eggs, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. Weasels are mostly nocturnal and solitary.
A weasel’s hunting technique is stealthy pursuit followed by a rapid attack. Their slender build allows them to sneak through tunnels and underbrush after prey. Once in striking distance, they pounce with lightning speed.
Weasels kill prey by delivering a lethal bite to the base of the skull or neck. Their sharp teeth easily puncture the jugular vein or spinal cord. The bite crushes vertebrae or severs connections between the brain and body. Death occurs within seconds.
Why Weasels Attack Chickens
Weasels resort to killing chickens when their preferred prey becomes scarce. A female weasel with a litter of kits to feed will take down chickens out of desperation.
Once inside a chicken coop, the weasel’s strong hunting instinct takes over. The noise, movement, and scent of chickens triggers an irrepressible urge to chase and kill. A weasel may massacre an entire flock in one night.
Weasels don’t actually eat much of their chicken prey. They usually just drink the blood and eat the head. Surplus killings are cached around the coop for future meals. This gives the false impression of senseless slaughter.
The Attack
A weasel sneaks into a chicken coop at night when the birds are sleeping. Chickens are vulnerable while roosting since they don’t detect the initial entry.
Hearing the soft footfalls or smelling the unfamiliar scent, the chickens become agitated. Their nervous squawks and fluttering sets off the weasel’s predatory drive.
The weasel springs at the nearest chicken and delivers a lethal bite to the neck or head. It then rapidly attacks each frantic bird in turn. Within minutes, the entire flock succumbs to the frenzied assault.
Any chickens missed in the initial massacre fall victim when the weasel returns to feed over subsequent nights. One weasel can decimate a flock of a dozen or more chickens.
Preventing Weasel Attacks
Fortifying coops is the best defense against weasels. Eliminate any openings larger than 1/2 inch. Bury hardware cloth around the base to prevent digging. Set traps immediately at the first sign of attack.
Installing motion-activated lights and game cameras can help deter recurring attacks. Getting a guard dog that patrols the coop at night adds another layer of protection.
Weasels may be small, but they can inflict huge losses on backyard flocks. Their lightning-quick and lethal attacks explain why a weasel can massacre a chicken coop before the farmer is any the wiser. Taking preventative measures will help protect chickens from becoming weasel prey.
Change Feeding Schedules
Weasels tend to hunt during the early morning hours or at dusk. Changing feeding schedules to daylight hours can minimize the risk of weasel attacks.
Are Weasels a Chicken Predator?
Weasels might look harmless. But dont let their small size fool you. These little animals can be a big problem for your chickens.
Weasels have long and thin bodies, making it easy to sneak into chicken coops and nests. Their sharp teeth and claws also make them great hunters.
But are they dangerous to chickens? The answer is yes. Weasels are night creatures and love hunting when its dark. So, if your chicken coop is not well-protected, weasels can be a real problem.
Amazing weasel eating chicken monitoring.
FAQ
Do weasels drink the blood of chickens?
Dead chickens with blood around their heads and/or necks are the tell-tale signs of an attack by a mink or weasel. These are high-strung animals who prefer to kill at the throat and drink blood from the neck. Weasels also enjoy dining on chicken entrails.
How small a hole can a weasel get through?
How do you tell what killed my chickens?
Hen carcasses that are missing heads or sections of their necks are trademark signs of owls and raccoons. Rats will dole out multiple bite wounds on a hen, and may leave just gnaw marks or missing sections of flesh once the hen is deceased. Finally, many dogs kill for sport – it’s part of their nature.
What does a weasel hole look like?
A weasel hole is typically a small, round burrow, often found in or near other animals’ abandoned tunnels, such as those of chipmunks, ground squirrels, or woodchucks. They are usually located in areas with tall grass, thick undergrowth, or near structures like sheds or foundations.