disappearing chicks :-(

[susilawm]

We have our remaining 4 chicks and mother hen in what seems to us to be a very secure coop! For the last several days we have gone out and found two chicks missing..no sign of them anywhere?? We had 6 chicks.

We are heart sick..we don't know what in the world could be happening...Is it possible a snake if crawling under part of the coop and getting in? Would they only get one chick at a time over two or three days?

Help please!

 

[DAFox]

Have you looked through the bedding and nest to see if there was a dead chick? I've had that happen.
How old are the chicks? If they are day olds -- Sorry to ask -- maybe Mama?
Are there holes anywhere??

Sorry,
Dale-Ann

 

[susilawm]

Thank you for your response..

We did look through the bedding...and we checked for holes...it's such a mystery???

The remaining 4 chicks are in a big tub now, in our bathroom inside..all safe.

They were born April 29th...still small but not new borns...they all appeared very healthy and active and have a great, protective mommy hen.

Thanks again!

 

[Miss Lydia]

So sorry for your loss, last year thank goodness we didn't have chicks yet but I went in to stir the bedding in the coop [I use deep litter method] and was using the pitch fork when I scooped up a huge black snake from under the shavings. I couldn't even see it so you can imagine how surprised I was when it came out on the pitch fork, about a 5' one too, so they can get into the coop and hide under the bedding, could this have happened. I have also caught them eating an egg before so would think they would get one chick at a time. sorry