Squirrel killed chicks

[Mimi13]

Thank you. The guilt is deep. Squirrels are rats, predators, pests and not tolerated near our chickens anymore. Apparently, red squirrels can be very aggressive and territorial by nature and not have rabies. I wish I knew this info. beforehand.

Agnes the Wyandotte is slowly recovering. She prefers to be held so I'm typing with fingers on one hand. She does eat and drink with help. Can't put pressure on one leg, tender on that side due to bite marks.

Bless that baby’s heart. I hope she recovers quickly.

 

[GottaHaveBirds]

Thank you all very much for your kind words, encouragement, support and advice.

Agnes is recovering in her very own chick condo in the humans' house. She has a good appetite and is drinking well with my help. I'm cautiously optimistic. Her right side is very tender (a bit of dried blood on her wing in the picture) and there are some balance issues, still not able to put weight on that foot. She clutches my finger to steady herself while eating and drinking.

The other (nameless) injured chick is anxious to rejoin the flock, but two flock mates attacked her while I supervised her re-integration, so she'll stay in her own cage where she can still interact safely. I hope that once she mends, the flock will accept her again.

I'm going to take a nap.

 

[GottaHaveBirds]

I'm so sorry this happened to you. Please don't feel guilty, you tried to protect your chicks. Who would have foreseen something like that?
I have witnessed broody hens chasing squirrels away from their chicks, but I've never worried too much about squirrels in the past.
I hope for a speedy recovery for your other chicks.

Thank you.

Further research thanks to some folks here: a determined red squirrel that needs protein/calcium may kill and eat young birds and rabbits, as well as eggs. A red squirrel that's confronted/chased may retaliate and then return repeatedly until it gets what it wants.

None of the red squirrels around here is shy or intimidated by humans or adult chickens. It's not uncommon for a red squirrel to attack humans, dogs, cats, chickens, etc. to defend its territory, young or food sources.

Chipmunks are also omnivores and known to prey on birds, especially chicks. I've been around chipmunks and squirrels for most of my time on this Earth. I feel so stupid for not knowing their evil tendencies. :-(

 

[Mimi13]

I've been around chipmunks and squirrels for most of my time on this Earth. I feel so stupid for not knowing their evil tendencies. :-

Uh, yeah, you aren’t the only one. I only thought they were detrimental to roofs, wiring, etc. with their chewing tendencies. Never did I know what I’ve found out today.

 

[GottaHaveBirds]

I hope this discussion is helpful to others like me that didn't know squirrels are capable of killing chicks. It's been a shocking revelation.

As I stated earlier in this thread (sorry, I'm too tired to look for the exact post), a blog post I read last night (I forgot to bookmark the page) revealed that a red squirrel killed and injured some adult bantam chickens. So, it's not just eggs, feed and seeds that the omnivores are after.

And, I learned today that chipmunks can't be trusted, either. That's a lot of learning and heartbreak in 24 hours.

 

[Chickassan]

I'm so sorry, that is awful! There really is little to no info out there about squirrels eating meat which does keepers no justice at all.
Oldsters don't call them tree rats for no reason.
So glad the flock here chases them away or the vast majority anyway.

 

[GottaHaveBirds]

I'm so sorry, that is awful! There really is little to no info out there about squirrels eating meat which does keepers no justice at all.
Oldsters don't call them tree rats for no reason.
So glad the flock here chases them away or the vast majority anyway.

Thank you. They've always been around without causing any problems. Now, none can be trusted at all.

 

[Gilded Feather]

I am so very sorry for your loss. I understand, it’s hard to believe something like this could happen but unfortunately, yes, squirrels will eat young birds. They also raid nests and eat eggs. Usually their targets are wild birds but think of it this way, they are rodents. Mice, rats and chipmunks will also destroy nests, eggs and baby birds if given the opportunity. So keep an eye out and predator proof your coop with them in mind as well. I know it’s hard to believe since squirrels (or chipmunks) don’t strike you as an animal that would do such a thing, they’re so cute and fluffy, but it’s in their nature. Squirrels also very regularly chew and eat shed deer antlers for calcium so take caution with your babies, a young bird or unguarded egg would provide the same nutrients for them.

 

[cluckcluckhens]

After seeing your post my hubby went to search and found a video on this subject. I think the reason the squirrels here doesn't bother our hens or chicks is because it eat the girls feed and water and packs it's cheeks with feed for others. I have saw three baby squirrels here the other day. Take measures into your own hands and get rid of them. Chicks and Hens here peck at the squirrels. Fake eggs are missing and squirrels can take these too. After seeing this I will really be watching. Last count I counted I only saw 3 adults and 3 babies but squirrels can have up to 9 babies I read years ago. Some states will not let you relocate squirrels but you can get rid of them. Squirrels here get pecked by our hens and chicks and gets surrounded by the girls in the run. I am always watching! Beware! Squirrels will take eggs too. I was collecting eggs I looked into the box and a squirrel was in the box eating an egg. It came out of the box in front of my feet and left.

 

[GottaHaveBirds]

I am so very sorry for your loss. I understand, it’s hard to believe something like this could happen but unfortunately, yes, squirrels will eat young birds. They also raid nests and eat eggs. Usually their targets are wild birds but think of it this way, they are rodents. Mice, rats and chipmunks will also destroy nests, eggs and baby birds if given the opportunity. So keep an eye out and predator proof your coop with them in mind as well. I know it’s hard to believe since squirrels (or chipmunks) don’t strike you as an animal that would do such a thing, they’re so cute and fluffy, but it’s in their nature. Squirrels also very regularly chew and eat shed deer antlers for calcium so take caution with your babies, a young bird or unguarded egg would provide the same nutrients for them.

Thank you. Yes, it's hard to look at those small critters as predators, but it's been a learning experience, heart breaking at the same time. Still feeling very guilty for not being there to stop the attack and failing to better protect the chicks. :-(