Missing Chick

[Colbe]

We have incubated a number of coturnix chicks. All raised safely in a large rubber made brooder with heat lamp. We have cats and the could care less. Today the first of our button quail hatched. He was doing great and we placed him in the brooder, he was alone waiting for his siblings. He was fine at 1am, at 5am he was gone. No trace of him anywhere, no tampering with the lid of the box which is a wire shield. The temperature was 95, food and water in a small jar lid were fine and not moved or spilled. We are perplexed. Are cats more attracted to button quail? Can they jump from a large bin? Where should we look if he got out? We have quail within earshot outside, was he trying to get to them perhaps?

 

[CluckerFamily]

Do you have pictures of your setup?

 

[Colbe]

Thank you for your reply and question. Please see below.....

 

[Colbe]

The cage was fully covered. I took the lid off to show you inside.

 

[CluckerFamily]

I’m assuming you looked under the paper towels.
Any chance a two handed predator came walking through and is cuddling it?

 

[Colbe]

Lol. We completely replaced the paper towel, lol. Regarding the two handed predator I woke her up!! She was sleeping on the couch next to the bin. She said she put him back a while ago (1am). So funny you should mention!! We looked everywhere and checked the cats, etc. no sign of carnage or the bird. She is convinced it was spontaneous combustion. Not a joking matter of course it is just soooo strange!!! If I didn’t have the picture and a missing egg from the incubator I’d think I was crazy!!!

 

[CluckerFamily]

The only other thing I can think of is the cat. I would think a cat could get in and out in the gap below the heat lamp where the shield doesn’t touch the side of the bin all the way.

 

[Colbe]

The only other thing I can think of is the cat. I would think a cat could get in and out in the gap below the heat lamp where the shield doesn’t touch the side of the bin all the way.

Do you think we would find remains?

 

[Colbe]

Do you think we would find remains?

Our cats are not dainty. I’m just so surprised. They never cared before and this guy was so quiet. . I’ll look more when it’s lighter. Something happened. I really appreciate your response. Thank you. I’ll check back if I see anything.

 

[CluckerFamily]

Do you think we would find remains?

My first thought is no because it is so small. A cat can eat a mouse and not leave any remains.