My broody bantam hen hatched out a new chick. Since she was still on other eggs I left them in the nest for a few days (I usually take the "early" chicks out and give them to other broody hens who reeeeally want to adopt them)anyways, a few days after it hatched, I peeked in to see if it was ready to come out and no chick. It simply vanished. I have scoured the barn, every nook and cranny, no body no nothing. I'm suspecting some kind of predator. I have heard of rats stealing chicks and eggs right out from under hens. Is this really possible? I dismiss that it would have been a weasle because the hen is unharmed, not a rustled feather on her.

I wouldn't doubt it. Ever see the video Charlotte's Web? (or read the book) Templeton the Rat liked to eat eggs from the coop.
I, too, think I have a new rat problem. The hole is just too big for a mouse. Ugh..... I'm getting the heebie jeebies thinking of it. I'm off to buy some traps this week.