Raccoons and some birds of prey, like hawks and owls, are known to eat the heads off chickens, often targeting them for their easy access to food.
Finding headless chickens in your coop is alarming. Several predators target chickens’ heads, leaving the bodies behind. Identifying the culprit is key to protecting your flock.
Top Predators That Eat Chicken Heads
Raccoons
Raccoons are notorious for decapitating chickens. They often pull heads through wire fencing, eating only the head and neck. These clever predators may work in pairs – one scares chickens while another grabs heads.
Signs of raccoon attacks:
- Bodies left intact with missing heads
- Possible bite marks on remaining neck
- Feathers pulled through fencing
Owls
Large owl species like Great Horned Owls attack at night. They typically bite through the neck and carry off heads. Unlike raccoons, owls often leave cleaner cuts with less mess.
Owl attack indicators:
- Clean neck wounds
- Nighttime attacks
- Possible talon marks on bodies
Weasels and Minks
These small predators kill by biting the neck. They often eat internal organs after decapitating chickens. Weasels may kill multiple birds in one attack.
Weasel evidence:
- Bloodied bodies
- Internal organs eaten
- Small bite marks on necks
Less Common Head-Eating Predators
Foxes
Foxes usually carry off whole chickens but may decapitate when startled. They’re more likely to eat the entire bird than just the head.
Bobcats
These wildcats can decapitate chickens but typically eat more of the body. They hunt at dawn and dusk.
Domestic Cats
Stray cats may kill chickens by biting necks but rarely eat just the heads. They often leave wings and skin behind.
Protecting Your Flock
Secure Coop Design
Use properly sized coops with:
- 1/2″ hardware cloth (not chicken wire)
- Buried fencing to prevent digging
- Secure latches raccoons can’t open
Predator Deterrents
Effective methods include:
- Motion-activated lights
- Guard animals like dogs or geese
- Electric fencing around runs
Nighttime Protection
Since most head-eating predators hunt at night, ensure:
- Chickens are locked in before dusk
- Coop has no gaps larger than 1/2″
- Roosts are elevated and protected
For more on chicken behavior, see our guide on why chickens hide their heads.
Identifying the Culprit
| Predator | Time of Attack | Typical Damage | Other Signs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raccoon | Night | Head/neck eaten, body intact | Feathers pulled through fence |
| Owl | Night | Clean neck cut, head missing | Talons marks possible |
| Weasel | Any time | Bloody bodies, organs eaten | Multiple birds killed |
According to PetHelpful, raccoons are the most likely suspects in head-only attacks. They note that raccoons will often return until all chickens are killed.
When Attacks Happen During the Day
Daytime head losses suggest:
- Hawks (especially Cooper’s or Red-tailed)
- Bold raccoons (they sometimes hunt in daylight)
- Feral cats
Install overhead netting or provide covered runs to protect against aerial predators. Keep vegetation trimmed to eliminate ambush spots.
Unusual Cases
In rare situations, other predators may be responsible:
- Mink: Similar to weasels but near water sources
- Fisher cats: In northern regions, these can decapitate poultry
- Opossums: Usually eat eggs but may kill young birds
Track patterns and set up game cameras if attacks continue. The Backyard Chickens forum has many reports of similar incidents with photos for comparison.
After an Attack
Take these steps immediately:
- Remove and bury dead birds
- Inspect coop for entry points
- Reinforce weak areas
- Consider trapping (check local laws)
- Change routines to disrupt predator patterns
Prevention is always better than reaction. A secure coop and run is the best defense against head-eating predators.