Lost chicks from under a hen last night

[LocoPollo]

I went to check on my broody hen today who as of yesterday had 4 chicks hatched. To my dismay, the chicks were all gone today. I did notice some blood on the side of the nest box. I don't know if it was a rat or a snake or what, but something took the babies right out from under the mama hen. Disappointing!

 

[speckledhen]

Well, darn, I'm sorry, Randy.

 

[WriterofWords]

How awful! Try and trap or spot or whatever and BBQ the sucker!

 

[lovemychix]

That's just depressing. Hate to hear that!

 

[Sebrightmom]

I had the samething happen years ago. I put a live trap out. I caught a rat and a skunk. Good Luck finding the one that did it.

 

[cmom]

I hope you find who did it. I keep my babied in a wire brooder 1"x1/2" wire, but I don't have any broody hens. Rats and snakes can't get in. I keep them in their until they are about 4 months old then they are big enough for the coop. I have a tractor run made of 1/2"x1/2" wire, that I attach to the brooder. I keep their feed and water in the brooder.

 

[seminolewind]

That's sad. Things always happen when you least suspect it. And hindsight is 20/20. I would cry my eyes out. But you know it happens to just about everyone.

 

[Sunny Side Up]

Awww, I'm so sorry for the loss! Definately set out traps, it could be a snake, rat, possum, raccoon, or something else. At least it left the hen alone, does she have any injuries? I've had things eat chicks and not bother the hen unless she was trying to fight it off.

 

[columbiacritter]

My money's on a rat.