I also share my condolences and shock. There are no words for losses such as these.
You'll value and really watch over those three remaining K's. Yes, such setbacks are so dang discouraging. I almost gave up on my Reds project a few years back. Between a horrid Coccidiosis virulent outbreak and a stupid pitbull attack.
Through some friends' help and a little time, the heart slowly heals and hope returns. Cats are among the most vicious killers and have the weight and muscle to really bully their way through the defense systems.
Again, I'm so sorry Marcy. I hope this dark night passes soon for you.
Thank you Fred and @speckledhen . A predator that takes a few and eats what they take is a lot easier to deal with mentally than one that causes such carnage. I hate the waste, as well. Put out some feelers to see if anybody wanted the carcasses to feed to their dogs, but no takers. I've got the trap set but with 6 birds hauled off, not sure it will be back this soon unless it is really greedy.
Besides the 3 young cockerels, I have 3 GSBR cock birds. I had to dispatch the Duckworth cock, he is in my freezer. Tried to jump at me one time too many. Bad disposition, that one. But all my GSBR cocks have leaning combs/thumbprint combs. I read somewhere that this can also be caused by too high a brooding temp. versus caused by genetics. Does anybody know if that is true? Because I might be guilty of keeping them too warm in the brooder.