Missing chick

[Dr.GarryTTucker]

So I’m pretty sure last night something came in and ate the only one baby chick momma hatched out 3 days ago. I found her outside the coop and in the middle of the yard before sun up. And her baby chick missing. And another chicken in a nesting box that wasn’t there around 11pm when I went to go close things up, and the rooster killed.

I’m worried about momma. I think she is ok. I didn’t notice any injuries. The nesting box is about 2ft off the ground. That’s where she was sleeping. Will she go back to being broody? I have no more eggs that are fertile. What do I do? Beside kill!!! whatever animal did this!

 

[sloanbychoice]

Oh no. I’m sorry. Sounds like a rough night.

First, I’d say that chick is gone.
Second, I’d find out where the predator got in and secure that. Whatever it was will likely be back.
Third, do you typically wait until late to lock them up, or was something going on last night? Normally, closing them up is around dusk.

 

[Ryguy3684]

Sorry to hear that. Sincs the rooster was killed, and left, can you tell what type of animal attacked, based on the wounds? Hopefully you find how it got in.

 

[Dr.GarryTTucker]

Yeah. And I just now rounded up 3 traps. Headed to Walmart for some cat food or tuna fish as bait. Normally we lock up but we had friends over and a movie night.

Will momma go back to being broody? Will she just walk around trying to find baby?

 

[Dr.GarryTTucker]

Sorry to hear that. Sincs the rooster was killed, and left, can you tell what type of animal attacked, based on the wounds? Hopefully you find how it got in.

I’m guessing opossum or raccoon because he wasn’t eaten. Either strangled or broken neck.

 

[AllenK RGV]

I hate to say it but you aren't allowed to have a life that isn't centered around the sun rising and setting any longer keeping chicken. Unless, of course you have the financial resources to hire someone to take over that responsibility.

I love my chicken but they have wrecked our lifestyle they interrupt our Netflix too. SE Texas says raccoon or mature possum for the culprit.

Texas thread is here and there are plenty of folks in your area who are active: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/texas.44/page-4612 I suspect @RUNuts is a near neighbor.

Upload us some photos of your enclosures and we can offer up advice.

 

[sloanbychoice]

Yeah. And I just now rounded up 3 traps. Headed to Walmart for some cat food or tuna fish as bait. Normally we lock up but we had friends over and a movie night.

Will momma go back to being broody? Will she just walk around trying to find baby?

I don’t know much about broodiness, so I don’t know if she’d go back to being broody.

 

[AllenK RGV]

Yeah. And I just now rounded up 3 traps. Headed to Walmart for some cat food or tuna fish as bait. Normally we lock up but we had friends over and a movie night.

Will momma go back to being broody? Will she just walk around trying to find baby?

Regarding this one moma will probably go back to being broody and she can surely accept her losses. Chicken expect those more than we do. I move my broodies and eggs to secure enclosures if I want chicks. Best wishes.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

She'll go back to broody but you'll have to wait for it. My hens usually take a few months to go broody again, whether or not a hatch has been weaned or failed to survive

 

[Dr.GarryTTucker]

Like I mean will she try and sit all day today? For the next 3 weeks? Or since the chick hatched will she morn a few days and then return to the flock?