Can shock kill chickens/chicks

[ChickNanny13]

OP needs to update profile with location, saves us guessing location/time zone vs weather vs predators

 

[Tomokoth]

Sorry guys I should have let you know that I'm not in Australia so it won't be cold here. In fact it's hot. Since posting, I discovered the culprit, a feral cat. I suppose the little ones simply died of shock.

 

[Tomokoth]

I only thought that it's only in Australia that you get chicken thieves like foxes etc and I grew complacent. In fact just two weeks back one of my hens incubated her eggs successfully outside in a fair open space.

 

[Fishkeeper]

That many chicks didn't all die of shock. Something must have gotten in and injured them.
Also, Australia right now IS hot. A lot of other places are currently cold.

Yep, feral cats and free-roaming outdoor cats are an issue all over the world. Irresponsible pet owners and all. Plus, feral dogs, and introduced rats. Unless you're on one of the islands that's been entirely cleared of introduced pests in preparation for reintroduction of native species, and has no predators of its own, expect predators.