Cturber
Songster
I have 10- 8 week old broody raised chicks. This week she has pretty much weaned them. They seem pretty well integrated into the flock and I have seen no signs of issues outside of normal pecking order reminders. This am the Coop opens to large run around 6 am. Run is not covered but fenced in And about ⅓ acre. this yard Has lots of cover. At 8am (it’s Saturday, I slept in). I went out to check on them as normal and I notice only 8 of the chicks and one of the 8 is missing Tail feathers, holding a wing funny, and has abrasions on his back. he Is acting normally though. I looked for the other 2 missing chicks and found the remains of 1 in the back part of the chicken yard. No feathers on ground and no sign of missing parts. The other I found injured hiding in brush. I have treated both injured chicks. The one is still with group. The other more seriously injured is inside. I have posted pics. I am putting up cameras today. I have never had a history of any issues with predators. Realistically, I am in south Alabama, and virtually every possible predator is here. I feel sure this happened between 6 and 8am. Not sure if relevant but all 3 chicks involve, I believe to be cockerels. Any thoughts And ideas are appreciated.
injured chick
dead chick
injured chick
dead chick