Is it a rat or opossum?

[Anadelara10]

I had a hen very broody on 18 eggs, I noticed every once in a while I would find a empty egg shell like something broke the egg and ate the inside. At first I thought it was the mom, I’ve heard of them getting rid of the ones that aren’t fertilized and didn’t pay much attention, then I found more and more egg shells to where she only had six left. A friend suggested I move her and said maybe a rat was invading the nest. I moved her into a smaller coop my husband built and it seemed to fix the problem, she was able to hatch out three and was waiting on the other three to hatch. Last night I heard noises and was afraid something was attacking her we went out to look and found the whole nest raided And could not find any of the chicks. When daylight broke I was able to see that momma put up a fight she is missing head feathers but Poor momma lost her babies and is just so stressed I hope she pulls through. Any suggestions as to what this could have been? My husband thinks that since it attacked her that maybe it was a possum but I feel it would’ve killed her too. Any ideas what it was and how I can prevent it in the future?

 

[FBMcrazy8]

This is so sad! I hope she pulls out of this too! I wouldn’t guess a rat….myself would be raccoon or opossums. Do you have raccoons where you are? The both of them like the same thing….trash and easy meals. Do you know how it got in? That might help too. Any footprints or holes?? Any evidence at all

 

[Kiki]

Sorry this happened. It really doesn't matter which animal came and did this. It will be back.
Can you take a few pictures of your coop and set up so we can help you by telling you how to predator proof it so you don't have to worry for when it comes back?

 

[Anadelara10]

This is so sad! I hope she pulls out of this too! I wouldn’t guess a rat….myself would be raccoon or opossums. Do you have raccoons where you are? The both of them like the same thing….trash and easy meals. Do you know how it got in? That might help too. Any footprints or holes?? Any evidence at all

Thank you.
There is a crack where the door opens probably 1/4 inch thick I have always covered it in the past- it’s been our momma coop for years and never had any problems. Our fur baby died a few months back and seems we see more evidence of mice all over now. We do have raccoons here… there was no evidence at all, not foot prints, droppings, fur, absolutely nothing.

 

[McChooky]

Thank you.
There is a crack where the door opens probably 1/4 inch thick I have always covered it in the past- it’s been our momma coop for years and never had any problems. Our fur baby died a few months back and seems we see more evidence of mice all over now. We do have raccoons here… there was no evidence at all, not foot prints, droppings, fur, absolutely nothing.

Nothing big enough to eat 18 eggs & chicks and raid the nest got in 1/4" crack in the door.

 

[McChooky]

Sorry this happened. It really doesn't matter which animal came and did this. It will be back.
Can you take a few pictures of your coop and set up so we can help you by telling you how to predator proof it so you don't have to worry for when it comes back?

x2

 

[FBMcrazy8]

Thank you.
There is a crack where the door opens probably 1/4 inch thick I have always covered it in the past- it’s been our momma coop for years and never had any problems. Our fur baby died a few months back and seems we see more evidence of mice all over now. We do have raccoons here… there was no evidence at all, not foot prints, droppings, fur, absolutely nothing.

There isn’t any other way anything else could get in. That is a small area for anything big enough to take chicks