could it have been a rat? eaten my quail

[JesusisGod]

Just went out before found a 3 week old quail dead in the walk in pen with both its legs eaten and hole on inside some parts inside eaten. I dont know what could have killed it if it wasnt a rat. Nothing else can get in unless they squeeze through 4.5cm holes. We do have mice but didnt know there was rats?

 

[JesusisGod]

2 more dead, found the legs of the first. Now its tried to pulled a one week old through hardwire cloth, its missing a leg and intestines hanging. Another chicks dead no sign of injury its just dead idk why that ones gone

I think its a rat, nothing else could possible manuovour itself in that position the brooder was bit over half meter from ground

 

[Isadora]

Is a weasel a possibility?

 

[JesusisGod]

Is a weasel a possibility?

no im in australia they not native

 

[Greenland3]

no im in australia they not native

2 more dead, found the legs of the first. Now its tried to pulled a one week old through hardwire cloth, its missing a leg and intestines hanging. Another chicks dead no sign of injury its just dead idk why that ones gone

I think its a rat, nothing else could possible manuovour itself in that position the brooder was bit over half meter from ground

Sounds like rats.
They eat Quail toes/legs.
I'm also in Australia.

Also adult Quail will pull a chick through the wire/mesh and gut them if they share a wall.

 

[Lor]

Oh no!
I hope you can figure out what it is in order to protect the rest. Sorry for your loss.