Sudden quail predator issue

[QuailIssue]

I've had quail for two years now and have been blessedly free of predators until a week ago. Something chewed a hole through the wood of the coop and pulled one through and ate his organs through his behind. I moved them in with my chickens as an emergency measure because their coop is made of cinderblocks and can't be dug under/has no little holes or anything (only holes are 1/2" hardware cloth). That worked until last night when whatever it is got in and killed two more, not eating them but just hiding them behind the waterer. I'm at a loss on what to do because whatever it is can seemingly just chew through anything and leave with a trace. I'm assuming rats because I'm seeing them around for the first time this year, though the killing without eating thing seems like a weasel? Though I imagine I'd be out of luck with chickens too if it was... Does anyone have advice on where I can keep them/what to do long term? It's horrible watching them die one by one not knowing what to do

Thanks

 

[QuailIssue]

Also wanted to add, the new two kills only have wounds on their underbellies. I don't see any neck wounds, which I believe is the typical method for weasels. I'm not really understanding how they died honestly because the wounds on their lower bodies look relatively minor, there isn't exposed flesh or anything.

 

[QuailIssue]

Sorry to add a million addendums, but I also wanted to add that I have 15 (now) so a guinea pig cage or similar would be too small as temporary housing.

 

[Chicken_tiger_catt]

I've had quail for two years now and have been blessedly free of predators until a week ago. Something chewed a hole through the wood of the coop and pulled one through and ate his organs through his behind. I moved them in with my chickens as an emergency measure because their coop is made of cinderblocks and can't be dug under/has no little holes or anything (only holes are 1/2" hardware cloth). That worked until last night when whatever it is got in and killed two more, not eating them but just hiding them behind the waterer. I'm at a loss on what to do because whatever it is can seemingly just chew through anything and leave with a trace. I'm assuming rats because I'm seeing them around for the first time this year, though the killing without eating thing seems like a weasel? Though I imagine I'd be out of luck with chickens too if it was... Does anyone have advice on where I can keep them/what to do long term? It's horrible watching them die one by one not knowing what to do

Thanks

probably rats.

 

[GoosesGeeses]

I would say rats. I personally have no experience with rats, but to catch them i would use this setup: https://abernathysrabbitry.com/2016/01/18/controlling-rats-in-the-chicken-coop-with-a-weasel-box/

 

[GoosesGeeses]

It's used for weasels, but works great for rats too. Good luck.

 

[GoosesGeeses]

And

 

[Kiki]

Can you post pictures of the cage/house?