Backyard Fowl Keepers

I found my oldest, smallest rooster deadheadlessin a hole under the barn. The area is fully enclosed, with an electric fence surrounding everything. Eggs were also neatly eaten.

I set four live traps, expecting a raccoon or mink. Instead, I caught a tiny possum in the exact spot where my rooster was killed.

Now Im wonderingwas this possum the killer or just an egg thief? Some say possums kill like raccoons, others say they scavenge. What do you think?

I'd set more traps and reinforce the coop. Even if the possum was an egg thief, something else likely did the killing. A camera might reveal more.

If your electric fence is properly functioning, a raccoon may have dug under or climbed an object nearby. Minks and weasels also kill this way,check for small entry points.

A possum's jaws aren't strong enough to decapitate a rooster, especially an adult bird. A raccoon or mink is far more likely. Check for entry points under the barn.

Sounds more like a raccoon's work. Possums usually go for eggs or carrion, not live birds. I'd keep those traps set!

The way the eggs were eaten sounds like a possum's work, but the rooster? That's a classic raccoon or mink move. You may have multiple predators visiting.

Raccoons are incredibly dexterous and smart. They've been known to get through all sorts of barriers. If you have a game camera, set it up to confirm.