Possums are Chicken Killers

[PrimroseMom1]

I caught my first possum last night,  I have lost at least 8 hens in the past year.  it is about the size of a cat.  I still suspect most of the damage is racoon, though I have never seen one here.  I live on a penninsula/island area with lots of mangroves and I think they live around there.  Trying to decide how to deal with this critter now.  

Jackie

Well, the one I caught in a trap in my chicken yard I shot. It was the first warm blooded creature I had ever shot. I didn't think I could do it bec I love animals so much. But, I thought about needing to protect my chickens and yelled "chicken killer!!" Then it hissed at me showing it's teeth and I pulled the trigger. I thought I would have nightmares but I haven't. I know I could do it again.

 

[TeacherMedic]

Well, the one I caught in a trap in my chicken yard I shot. It was the first warm blooded creature I had ever shot. I didn't think I could do it bec I love animals so much. But, I thought about needing to protect my chickens and yelled "chicken killer!!" Then it hissed at me showing it's teeth and I pulled the trigger. I thought I would have nightmares but I haven't. I know I could do it again.

I just had to laugh at this. The same thing I said when I caught an opossum today.

 

[gilcamp4]

I just had to laugh at this. The same thing I said when I caught an opossum today.

what did you use for bate, i have one under our shop right near the coop and need to get it. i have no gun was going to put cage in water till it died.

 

[Zoeyheart]

Be sure your water source is deep enough to fully cover the cage.... Things you dont thinnk about until that moment you say "oh crap"

 

[Zoeyheart]

oh, I used canned cat food. stinky and a great lure.

 

[PrimroseMom1]

oh,  I used canned cat food.  stinky and a great lure.

I used canned sardines from the grocery. Worked quickly every time. Buy the cheap ones. I paid about $1 for a can at Walmart. and used it 3 times to bait the trap.

 

[gilcamp4]

Be sure your water source is deep enough to fully cover the cage.... Things you dont thinnk about until that moment you say "oh crap"

yes zoeyheart my dh did think of that he made a big chest put heavy plastic in it to hold the water it is bigger then the cage and the water has been in it for a week now, so he is ready just was not shore what to use, i will have to go to store and get something for that beast

 

[gilcamp4]

yes zoeyheart my dh did think of that he made a big chest put heavy plastic in it to hold the water it is bigger then the cage and the water has been in it for a week now, so he is ready just was not shore what to use, i will have to go to store and get something for that beast

ok we got it, and it is history had a nice swim, do hope it enjoyed the water, now to put it somewhere. we had kfc for dinner and dh used that.

 

[PrimroseMom1]

ok we got it, and it is history had a nice swim, do hope it enjoyed the water, now to put it somewhere. we had kfc for dinner and dh used that.

Yea!! Another one bites the dust. My statement just before I send one to possum "heaven": "die chicken killer!!"

 

[gracie58]

i live in fla to but i think a possum got my hens i found one dead its bottom was rimmed out and the next day i found another one