chicks dissapearing!

[shakenbake]

im sorry if this sounds confusing, i'm confused myself. I had four pullets. They have all they're feathers and were outside free-ranging. two days ago one just dissapeared. The other chicks were fine and didn't act worried. the next day, another dissapears, chicks arent worried again. so, last night we hear coyotes and take the chicks inside for the night. this morning we put them back out and left for work. I just went out to feed and the third one is missing!!!! i am currently holding the last one on my lap. (the reason for no capitals) my question is where are they going? I dont think a person in my neighborhood would steal them. There were no scattered feathers. Its like they were never there. We have two grown chickens and theyre fine. Theyre in the same place with the chicks as well. I'm confused as to what it could be. thank you and please help!!


P.S. I also need to know if I can put little chicks in with the last one(she will stay inside for awhile) thank you!

 

[#1California Chick]

First, Welcome

I am sorry to hear of your loss!!

So -- some questions: Where do you live? City/State? City or country?

How old were your chicks? What kind of fencing do you have? BIG question: What kind of predators are in your area? Hawk, owl, raccoon, mink, fox, coyote, etc??? Do you or the neighbors have dogs?? Large cats??

Do you have a run that you can put them in when you are gone??

Cindy

 

[~*Sweet Cheeks*~]

Normally, I would say that chicks need companions and you should get 2 or 3 little ones.

However, I would suggest that you don't get any more chicks if you're just going to turn them loose and let them vanish one by one.

Something or someone TOOK or KILLED them. You need to have a secure run for your chicks so it doesn't happen again.

Do your best to protect the remaining pullet and two grown birds.

 

[shakenbake]

theyre probably about 2 months old (not sure how old they were when I got them.) They have a fence that they can get in but other animals cant get in and they go in the barn at night. I live near albuquerque new mexico usa. we have coyotes bobcats snakes and i havent seen a raven in awhile. i have seen the neighbors dog near my chickens before but never acted agressive and i havent seen him over there in a long time. thats all the preditors i can think about in our imediate area

 

[shakenbake]

Please everone! I know I should have done something earlier, I understand. I'm trying to fix it! Please help! What can I do for tonight at least?

 

[Bizzybirdy]

Bring them inside! for tonight.

 

[shakenbake]

I did but the poor baby is crying so loud.

 

[Gloria's mom]

You should be able to cover it's cage with a blanket or towel. Make it dark and it should calm down. Good luck with your little one and sorry for your loss.

 

[shakenbake]

Thank you for the advice. I put a cat toy with fake feathers in her cage and turned off the light. She flew on top of the feeder and fell asleep. Thank you all