What killed my chick?

[Ebz5003]

I found my unlocked brooder full of 13 3 to 8 week old chicks was ransacked and empty this morning. Nearby it were these torn wings and feathers from one of the 3 week old chicks, and this fresh scat, which is .5in wide and 2-3 inches long and smells strongly of skunk. Has berries and seeds in it. My guess is that this is a skunk or a fox? 12 other chicks are nowhere to be found. I hope they are just hiding. Does anyone know what did this? Thanks

 

[sourland]

Scat that size and skunky smell lead me to think that it was a fox.

 

[paulwelchh111]

Looks like it's a skunk, I hope that the other chix are just hiding

 

[Ebz5003]

Scat that size and skunky smell lead me to think that it was a fox.

Do you know if coyote urine will be effective in keeping those away?

 

[Ebz5003]

Looks like it's a skunk, I hope that the other chix are just hiding

I've seen a skunk in the mornings around the yard.

 

[McChooky]

Anytime you see a predator lurking around consider it a warning. It sees something to eat. Baby chicks need secure carabiners on the latches and closed pens covered with 1/2" hardware cloth to keep out small and large predators alike. You also need an apron if it sits on the ground to keep out diggers.Everything eats chicks.Sorry for your loss!

 

[Ebz5003]

Anytime you see a predator lurking around consider it a warning. It sees something to eat. Baby chicks need secure carabiners on the latches and closed pens covered with 1/2" hardware cloth to keep out small and large predators alike. You also need an apron if it sits on the ground to keep out diggers.Everything eats chicks.Sorry for your loss!

I have hardware cloth and latches but will secure additionally with wire at night. I can't believe it got in

 

[McChooky]

I have hardware cloth and latches but will secure additionally with wire at night. I can't believe it got in

If its secured with screws and strips of wood over the edges or screws and washers it should be good.Skunks aren't strong. Every couple inches or they'll get inside.