Lost peeps.......

[ajcress]

I worked 16 hours yesterday and my cousin took care of my animals for me. When I woke up this morning to my surprise I had 12 peeps missing in action. I found 2 dead just outside the pen. I cannot find any of the others. I am soooo upset because I put them outside over a week ago and have not had any problems. I am not sure what happened. What would a weasel do to them. Would they carry them off??
My son will be so sad........

 

[CritterHill]

This is my worst nightmare. Our 11 chicks will be delivered at the end of the month. I have a 2 year old and an extra sensitive 4 year old. If anything happens to these little things, the girls will be _devastated_.

Sorry they went missing...

 

[LynneP]

Could be a fox, and this might help:
http://www.backyardpoultrymag.com/issues/2/2-4/Gail_Damerow.html

Is it possible your cousin let them out?
If taken by a land mammal there should be tracks.

Foxes tend to remove the prey and bury it between the killing place and their dens. Often an adult will bring kits along to cart off several for burial. Is there damage on the necks of the chicks? They tend to come back, as raccoons do, and your flock could become their primary source of food while young are being raised. You'll have to batten down the hatches. So sorry for the loss.