Killer Barn Swallows?

[plbchx]

Last night was my chicks first night in their new coop. They are 4 weeks old.
There is a Barn Swallow best in the coop. We decided to let the momma and papa stay, since they were here first.
This morning one of my girls was dead. She had a s
Bloody spot on her back side. It was the side that was on the ground-under her.
Is it possible that the chicks upset the Barn Swallows? Or is it more likely that one of the other chicks did it?
This is my first experience with chickens. This site has been so very helpful.
Thanks,
Penny

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

The swallows could have mites- I would remove the nest from the coop- use a long pole and wash clothes/take shower afterward. I would treat the coop for mites with Poultry Dust afterwards.

I don't know about the injury though. I am sorry for your loss.

 

[plbchx]

Thanks. I appreciate your advice. I'll remove the best tomorrow.

 

[NEChickenNoob]

More likely a 4 footed predator or another chicken. Do you have roo's? Was this chicken low on the pecking order? Do you have rats or mice? How was the health of the chicken prior to? What is the health of the other chickens? How well fortified is your coop? Does it look like anything got in? Answering these questions will get you alot closer to knowing what happened?

 

[plbchx]

I've considered all your questions. She was one of my bigger girls. Her health was seemingly fine. No Roos. Rats or mice may be the problem. The coop is in the lower level of an old granary. Even though I've never seen evidence of rodents, I'm sure they're there.

 

[NEChickenNoob]

Maybe pictures would help. I am learning toward something that will kill and not be able to consume quickly. Pack Rats are some nasty buggers too, but I have no experience with them. It's really hard to understand the description of the wound, only one chicken lost, no predator evidence, and so many other odd things. It may have also died naturally and been slightly eaten by another chicken or a rodent. You may never know. Trail cam will help. It would help if you truly do have a pred prob.