Something Killed my Muscovy Babies !

[tressiah]

I am so upset, so please let me share with all of you my trouble. I went out to feed the animals this mornig, 7:30 ish, and started with my Pekins, got fresh water started for their pool, and went into the chicken house, opened the door to the outside, and saw 6 of my Muscovy babies lying in the cage ,( off the ground 20 inches,) lying feet up. Of the six, five had their heads literally torn off, and the 6th one was lying on it's side bleeding from numerous wounds, and struggling to breathe. The 7th one was huddled in a corner, blood all over, but upright. I put the 6th one out of it's misery with a quick snap of the wrist, and removed the bodies. The last survivor, Now named China, is currently in my pocket of my jacket, cleaned, dried and medicated with neo sporin, wrapped in a towel, snuggly warm. It did drink some water , so I am thinking it might make it.
Do any of you think this was a rat? I don't know how it could have gotten in, unless it can get through a 1/2 "gap at the bottom of the door. We've had weasels before, but the kills did not look like this. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
The funerals will be later today, after my husband gets home.

PS little China just tried to jump out of my pocket! Guess he is a survivor after all~

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

Sounds like a rat. I lost 10 baby chicks from a bleepin' rat. I would set out rat traps all over. Where theres one, theres more. I killed 11 rats. I still have the traps out just incase some more rats try to move in.

I am so so sorry about your babies.

 

[tressiah]

Thank you so much. China has taken up temporary residence in a nesting box, inside the house, and is cheeping for his siblings. He is drinknig, and eat some, so I think I'll put him back in my pocket & keep him close today. Thanks again

 

[HaleMoa]

wow, sad story. i didn't realize rats could do that. hows the survivor doing???

 

[farmer's wife]

China, Unknown gender @ this time, has learned to swim in the bath tub, thinks my hubby's chest hair is food, and chases the dog through the house. He ?she has been out with the big ducks for the last 3 days, coming in @ night, but I think we will try to leave him/her out one night soon. My hubby thinks he/she may be squished by the biggies, but I don't think so. The GK's love the idea that Nana has a duck in the house, and our 1 y.o. GK boy chases him through the kitchen screaming ' be nice be nice'. It's so fun !