Gone without a trace

[IsabelleButterscotch]

We had 35 chicks disappear last night. We noticed a hole about 2 inches in diameter in the corner of their pen and some blood on the wall going into it...
There is another hole at the front of the barn but going in a totally opposite direction than the inside hole...
What could have gotten the chicks and how to I deal with the predator?

 

[Darrinhuns]

It really depends on your climate and where you live. To me it sounds like it could be a tegu or monitor lizard but that would only be if you live further south where those lizards are actually invasive to

 

[IsabelleButterscotch]

It really depends on your climate and where you live. To me it sounds like it could be a tegu or monitor lizard but that would only be if you live further south where those lizards are actually invasive to

We live in ohio, and it was below freezing last night. Thank you though. I've been researching but don't know what could have taken all 35 of them in one night.

 

[IsabelleButterscotch]

We found it. It was a mink that killed them all and took them right to the next stall under the hay.

 

[Howard E]

What was the pattern the mink left them in. Scattered about, loose pile or in some type of organized pattern?

Can we assume the mink paid a steep price for this transgression?

 

[IsabelleButterscotch]

What was the pattern the mink left them in. Scattered about, loose pile or in some type of organized pattern?

Can we assume the mink paid a steep price for this transgression?

It was under a palate we kept the hay on, stuffed full with chicks ( I hate to say that) and the rest were in a pile. We found multiple other holes in our barn where its tunnels went. Yes, we put a trap out before it tries anything else!

 

[Howard E]

I assume live trap? Baited with a few of the chicks? (the others having been removed)

 

[IsabelleButterscotch]

I assume live trap? Baited with a few of the chicks? (the others having been removed)

Yes, that's exactly what we did.

 

[cmom]

Good luck. I hope you catch the varmint.

 

[IsabelleButterscotch]

Good luck. I hope you catch the varmint.

Thank you