Baby Chick Just Disappeared

[hyperslug]

Yesterday I moved my baby chicks out of the brooder into my little chicken tractor. This morning one was missing and I looked everywhere. No sign of fow play! These chicks are 3 weeks old, large Faverolles. It was the runt I called Pee Wee. There is a 1 1/2" slit on the tractor and wonder if it escaped from there or a snake came in and just got it.

Any other thoughts?

 

[lux_interior]

it probably escaped.... I have four baby chicks inside in a box, and when I went in their room this morning to check on them, there were only three in the box.... I found a trail of poo on the floor, and the missing chick was in my fiance's bowling bag. they are tricky little boogers... if yours are outside though, and it escaped... it is likely that some animal picked it up during the night... it may still show up though, I'd keep looking. Good luck!

 

[hyperslug]

Thanks Joilet for the quick reply!

I have searched about 2 acres and no luck. I let my corgi mix out early this morning. She has been eyeing them since she first was introduced to them and could have killed a chick but I would think there would be evidence.

I have since plugged the hole and will move the tractor to a different location in case there is a snake in the close by wood pile or a rat in the barn also close by!

 

[TimG]

Quote:
How will it get back in?

 

[hyperslug]

Quote:
How will it get back in?

The tractor currently sits outside my window so I will keep an eye out. But if after searching 2 acres with no luck it is probably gone for good but one can hope!

Pee Wee suffered from a couple of cases of pasty butt and I suspect it was the one that hatched 24 hours after all the others, as I said it was the runt. After you mother these little creatures you kind of develop an attachment. I was never a father but wiping Pee Wee's butt may be the closest I will get.