silkies due today!!!!

[esther5]

mum must have eaten them they are in a large rat proof enclosure, inside a dog cage with a wooden hutch inside that which to my knowledge they had not left. the dog cage is surrounded by bird netting so there is no chance they can get through the bars. i have searched for signs of dead chicks but there is not a bone or scrap of fur.

she has had chicks before and been a good mum. i cannot understand it.

 

[GeorgRodway]

They have to be there ! I've never heard of chickens being cannibals

 

[esther5]

Omg they have to be there

is there mum not looking for them? I'm so so sorry such sad news. A hawk maybe ? Or some sort of kestrel ?

no really. it is fully enclosed roof and all. there is no way anything could get in. there is no trace of them. i have sear
ched each scrap of bedding i am so incredulous but there is no sign. mum seems unsettled and wanting to return to the egg in the nest. i've now removed that and it is dead anyway.

 

[esther5]

i feel like crying....

 

[sumi]

Oh man, what a pity! I don't know what could have happened, just popped in here to give you a

 

[esther5]

Oh man, what a pity! I don't know what could have happened, just popped in here to give you a

thanks. think i prefer the incubator right now.....

 

[GeorgRodway]

Sending my internethugs could she of actually eaten them ?

 

[esther5]

i can' t think of another explanation. so fed up about it. they were full sizes as well. it doesn't make any sense....

 

[GeorgRodway]

I honnisty can't get my head round the whole thing ? Could she even fit a chick down her throat ?

 

[esther5]

well if they eat mice perhaps?? i don't know how else they could disappear. i'm going round in circles in my head but can't come up with any other explanation.
oh how i wish i had removed them and put them in the brooder this morning. but of course i wouldn't do that as it isn't logical. x mum still wants to brood. all very odd. still upset...