Black house spider in brooder

[Brylea]

I have 5 3 day old chicks and I found a black house spider. When I went to grab a towel. It disappeared and I searched through the bedding and now I can’t find it. I have to leave for work so I won’t be able to kill it until later if it’s still there. I just want to know if it will harm them bc I’m worried

 

[Airyaman]

Maybe the chicks ganged up on it and it's now in their bellies?

 

[Brylea]

I saw them try and peck it but I don’t know if they got it. Will they be okay if it’s still in there? It can also get out because there are air holes on the side of the brooder, so hopefully it gets out.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I’m sure the chicks will be fine. The spider on the other hand…

 

[Airyaman]

They'll be fine. The venom of a house spider is meant to paralyze insects, nothing the size of a chick. The spider faces more danger from them.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I just want to know if it will harm them bc I’m worried

No, it will not harm them. Even at 3 days old their instinct is to eat the spider, that may be why it disappeared. The spider does not have enough venom to harm them. Besides, their digestive juices will negate any venom. It is just not going to be a problem.

Before they were domesticated chickens were foraging for their own food with no help from humans. They'd eat things a lot worse than that spider without being hurt. I understand how worried you are, they appear so helpless and delicate. But they are not, even at that age. You'll see when you get home.