- Jan 12, 2014
- 17
- 5
- 32
Hi I live in Tasmania in the Huon Valley; I hatched five out of six eggs (Barnvelder Light Sussex Cross) and the chicks are about 12 weeks old. I lost one chick about a week ago, found on shelf under the perch with no apparent injuries but jammed in a corner. Have noticed the hens have gone off the lay a little. Today I heard the rooster making a serious din about 3 pm and went down to check out the chook shed. A second chick was found on the floor of the shed with a broken leg (had been grabbed at joint) and all meat eaten from the neck. I presume the cause of this carnage was a Quoll but in broad daylight????? . The rooster is most protective at any time and this is all a bit hard to believe. I am sure this chick wasnt killed during the night. Cant figure out how this animal got in either but I know that my neighbour feeds one. . I plan to put a night action camera down there tonight to try to see where this animal has got in. Hopefully I will not loose any more birds. Regards to all of you chook lovers around the world. Like you I love my hens. They are wonderful birds. Last year my goose was taken by a wedge tail eagle while out in the open paddock!!!! I just have to tell myself that these protected animals have to have food too!. Regards from Abels Bay!
and Welcome To BYC! X2 on the Predators forum, hope the game camera helps you figure out how to deal with the problem.
