Older chickens killed younger pullets!!

[Tonyroo]

You have a predator problem.

 

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

A large snake can easily eat chicks the age yours were when they disappeared, and even small mammalian predators including rats are capable of carrying them away to another location before eating them. Even though adult chickens will sometimes attack, kill and cannibalize chicks, they never eat them bones and all. I agree with @Tonyroo that somehow a predator did manage to get to the chicks.

 

[SourRoses]

After two days I noticed she would peck the pullets away from her but I wasn’t worried.

She was just weaning her babies, it's a totally normal & necessary process and wouldn't lead to deadly injury.

I agree with Tonyroo and Allsfairinloveandbugs. A predator got them. Beaks aren't really cut out for breaking down bone, even hawks and eagles have to discard and / or vomit up the inedible parts.

 

[NaeNae3]

Hi and welcome to BYC. You replied to a thread that is 10 years old, but that's ok; your post is still relevant. I'm really sorry about your 2 chicks. How many adult chickens are in your flock? It is highly unusual for a flock to eat 7-week-old chicks bones and all, especially since they were raised by a broody hen and exposed to the flock from day one. When was the last time you saw the chicks the day before, and what time did you discover they were gone the next morn? Are you Positive no predator including rats could get to the chicks?

Often snakes skins Coons and even cats can get in quickly and leave quickly, big culprits, also eagles, hawks etc. also watch you egg count, they will go for them next! This is factual information BTW, from experience, but yes also on occasion the chickens will eat them, if you’ve ever butchered, throw the entrails etc back to the chickens, they won’t leave much! Circle of life friends.

 

[CharlotteB12]

Definitely introduce them to each other slowly. Put a fence or cage between them so they can see each other but not interact so the older chickens can't hurt the younger ones! Best of luck!

 

[NaeNae3]

I forgot to edit, skins was supposed to be skunks. Oops