3 dead 8 week old chicks

[Ren2014]

This evening my DH found 3 out of 5 of our 8 week old chicks dead in what I called our 'Fort Knox' house. Whatever killed them just left them. No damage to their bodies but their heads and necks were wet. Their heads were bent back like their necks might have been broken. I found where a corner of hardware cloth might have been pushed back but under it was wire with about 1/2 inch squares. Any thoughts or ideas as to what might have gotten them?

 

[Punkybrewster]

Sounds like a snake tried to eat them but gave up because they were too big? A wet head and neck usually indicates this. Could also have been a weasle. Check for puncture wounds. Both snake and weasles can get through places you would never imagine.

 

[Ren2014]

Thank you. I was thinking snake also. We have them as big as 7 ft. here. The day after this attack, my DH found two 3-4 footers hanging out on the rafters next to this pen.

 

[Henriettamom919]

Thank you. I was thinking snake also. We have them as big as 7 ft. here. The day after this attack, my DH found two 3-4 footers hanging out on the rafters next to this pen.

*Runsawayscreaming*

Move here! Our biggest snakes are Gardner snakes (toothless and no threat at all.)

I'm so sorry about your babies!