Dead chicks every morning in sealed coup

[FarmerParker]

Ah shoot, I was able to move the structure to inspect the hole in the ground and there's actually no hole. It was just a small gap between the structure and the floor with some feathers in it. It doesn't lead anywhere. So now I'm totally stumped. I'm sorry for the innacurate information before but there really are no openings in this coup.

 

[FarmerParker]

As previously stated, weasels (and rats) can get through a very small hole. I would try to block that hole off. I don't know what you'd accomplish by sitting in the coop all night. If it doesn't smell you (which it probably would) it would most likely see you before you see it. (You'd need a light on so you can see it coming through the hole, right?)

lol yeah, you're right, that was a terrible idea. I'm even worried about killing it so much as I just want to know where it's getting it. I provided inaccurate information before. The only openings in this coup are a crack or two between plastic panels. Not even a mouse could fit through. I'm am absolutely stumped

 

[bobbi-j]

There's no way anything could be coming through that gap? It seems you have something coming in somewhere. Have you removed all bedding and looked at the floor? Rats will get under a building and chew holes through the floors. I know this one by experience.

 

[bobbi-j]

Oh, and ....

 

[organictoon]

Birds of Prey such as Owls, Hawks and Eagles that are able to spot them from high in the sky are the most common predators of the Weasel, along with Foxes and Snakes. Weasels are also preyed upon by domestic Cats and Dogs in areas where they exist close to Human settlements.


BARN CATS if rats/weasels are your issues.....low maintenance and cheap to feed.....

 

[FarmerParker]

There's no way anything could be coming through that gap? It seems you have something coming in somewhere. Have you removed all bedding and looked at the floor? Rats will get under a building and chew holes through the floors. I know this one by experience.

I've removed all bedding and searched the entire floor, walls, ceiling. Something has to be coming in, but it must be leaving in a way that covers up it's entrance. Because I'm just standing here looking at the same things over and over. It's driving me nuts. If I spent the night outside the coup and waited, do you think I could at least catch him escaping?

 

[Intheswamp]

Cannibalism?

 

[Poticus]

I've removed all bedding and searched the entire floor, walls, ceiling. Something has to be coming in, but it must be leaving in a way that covers up it's entrance. Because I'm just standing here looking at the same things over and over. It's driving me nuts. If I spent the night outside the coup and waited, do you think I could at least catch him escaping?

You could and should. Using a spot light with a red filter may help to conceal your location. If it's coming back every night, you should be able to get it.

 

[MeepBeep]

Some pictures of the coop would help... How are the vents and openings in the coop covered? Does the coop have a floor or is it just sitting on the ground where something could dig under the wall?

Could something be living/hiding in the coop and going in and out with the chickens every day?