Please help... Lost a chick to a predator last night.

[BYC Man]

Okay. I went to one of my coops where I have 10 five week old chicks and found one lying dead when I unlocked and opend the door. This chick had been attacked from it's vent. It's entire cavity was consumed. No other signs of a bite anywhere on it's body.
What would you believe did this? rat? Not one other chick was harmed?

 

[angel8035]

Could it be that the chick died and the other chicks pecked at it? Otherwise I would think probably a rat or other small rodent.

 

[BYC Man]

I don't think so. The chick was 100% healthy. The chicks are not agressive at all. I had 5 cochins and 5 Polish chicks in the coop. I am going to empty the coop and look for a rodent. It was locked tight so I am believing it may be hidden under the wood chips.
Has anyone experienced this kind of attack on a chick?

 

[20736]

If there are no marks on the chick, there is a good chance it died and was cannibalized. It doesn't usually happen this quick, but it can.
Sorry for your loss, especially a young bird. Hope you can resolve this soon.

 

[BYC Man]

Thank you.

 

[samidodamage]

My guess would be some kind of weasel.