CHECK YOUR CHICKS

Young chicks make easy pickings for a number of predators, especially if they are housed outdoors with an adult flock or with a broody hen. Due to their small size, constant peeping and obvious vulnerability, the chicks’ presence alone may be enough to attract nearly any predator featured in this chapter. Some animals, such as cats or skunks, would rarely pay much mind to a flock of adult hens if chicks weren’t present. So, if you do brood your chicks outdoors or allow a mother hen to care for her own little ones outside, take extra care to protect them with diligent daily checks, a secure dwelling, and nightly lockups.