What could kill 4 week old chicks? (Pictures of injuries)

[aart]

Was it just a single puncture on thee back?
Any larger wild bird could have done it...Robin, Crow, Blue Jay.
Doesn't really matter which it was.
Best cover the pen..... hope the survivor pulls thru.

 

[Big Bubba]

By the fact they are puncture wounds I'd have to say it was a hawk.

I've never heard of a Robin attacking anything more than worm. It just seems a bit far fetched.

But, yes, you definitely need to cover that pen. If anything gets in there, there isn't a place for the girls to hide.

 

[chickenmomma16]

Was it just a single puncture on thee back?
Any larger wild bird could have done it...Robin, Crow, Blue Jay.
Doesn't really matter which it was.
Best cover the pen..... hope the survivor pulls thru.

I got the survivor to eat and drink this morning so that's a good start. As soon as he can walk I'll be happy. They are 2 weeks away from going out in the coop so no more field trips. They will just have to wait.

It was multiple punctures on the back, and chest. The survivor has one on his head too. The pen was only 4ft x 4ft x 4ft. We have red tail hawks around here and they would have taken such a small chick as a snack and not left it dead and another injured in such a tiny pen. I have never seen blue jays around here and the crows weren't around yesterday.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I agree. I don't think it was a hawk. The hawk would have carried it off and eaten it. Same with an owl. I'm leaning toward mink, weasel or even raccoon. The first two can get in a 1" opening. The latter can climb anything. A cat is always a possibility. They can jump a 4' fence.

 

[abraga]

Puncture wound..likely a sneaky cat. Do u have crows around...a crow or raven would also go after chicks. Best thing > if u put birds out is to make sure ur pen is predator proof, top and bottom. Keep ur injured baby warm and drop fluids into it. Do have nutri drench? If not, u can give it Pedialyte.

 

[abraga]

Puncture wound..likely a sneaky cat. Do u have crows around...a crow or raven would also go after chicks. Best thing > if u put birds out is to make sure ur pen is predator proof, top and bottom. Keep ur injured baby warm and drop fluids into it. Do have nutri drench? If not, u can give it Pedialyte.

I have a pet crow..and chickens...my crow has never got one..but he is very carnivorous. We give him meat..his favorite is chickin..and I have watched him lsck holes like that in his meat. Also..i have watched crows raid bird nests and carry off chicks.

 

[abraga]

I have a pet crow..and chickens...my crow has never got one..but he is very carnivorous. We give him meat..his favorite is chickin..and I have watched him lsck holes like that in his meat. Also..i have watched crows raid bird nests and carry off chicks.

Crows r sneaky and incredibly smart to...they know ur habits better than u do.

 

[centrarchid]

Not a hawk based on what I know. I have seen crows kill doves and they did not leave an isolated puncture mark. Something small that latched on during the attack is what I would be looking for or at least keep it in consideration. High on list with critters I am not all that familiar with includes weasels.

Move remaining chicks to another tighter location that is elevated. I would cage them as well.