Another devastating blow for L&S Chickens

[congdon476]

Sorry about your loss....

Seems like the evil silkies have found a way into your heart. Beware the silkie baring gifts!

 

[Cara]

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Be very careful. Raccoons will reach through also, and pull the heads off birds.

 

[L&Schickens]

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That is so true. I carry this little chick around all the time and even while I am on the computer chatting with you, it is under a desk lamp right next to me pecking at desk dust.

The coop is a 12X15 dog kennel with a metal roop and a tarp over that. It is up against a wooden building on the back side, but there was a small opening where the roof lifters hold the roof up and the top bar of the kennel are. The raccoon climbed up the chain link and went through the hole there. I know this because I pulled fur and feathers off of it. The raccoon ate Wellington on the ground inside the coop. The hole is now sealed with hardwear wire.

I have tried to trap this rat ******* many many times and have completly covered the trap, used raw fish, marshmellows and raw hamburger as well as cat food as bait. It will not go into the trap. I am thinnking about buying a .22 and ending this my self.

 

[snowydiamonds]

There you go, Shelley, GET MAD and don't give up- your husband would be wise to find a fun and rewarding past time such as you and your son have.

I saw the saddest post on CL the past two days, a woman stating she was selling off all her birds because she was tired of the fighting since her hub was unemployed?!? If he had a lick of sense he'd have realized she was happy, home, and they could always have eggs and meat to eat, no matter what! Turkeys...quail...chicken...GEESE...people pay to eat that well! And he didn't want it in their yard?!? No comon sense at all...and she's giving up, unhappy and doomed to stay unhappy now with no happy hobby, no fresh eggs, etc.

I'd sleep out there, myself and be ready to get whatever was after mine and I'd have one of my dogs w/me since they can smell and hear so much better than we can...teach your son to fight for what is his, not to give up, your beautiful roo was and is totally worth it and so is the future of your son's decisions in life...BIG HUGS and chin up!

My eldest daughter, the other day was trying very hard not to cry and only one tear escaped...she said; Mom, I'm tired of wearing the pants! I want my hub to start wearing the pants instead of a mama's boy... I'm sorry I said and I smiled and laughed! I said: The women in our family have ALWAYS worn the pants and WE LOVE IT She had to laugh at that But its time to have a family chat and tell him to "try on those pants," see how they feel, how they fit...once in a while! LOL

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

Im so sorry about your loss. Trust me, I have wanted to throw in the towel many times before. Im glad I didnt. Things will get better.

 

[wilds of pa]

Here this page might help you set your traps a bit better..scroll down to the dirt hole sets and cubby sets..i like the walk through set, caught many coons using it to..

http://www.traps4kids.com/landsets.html

Hope this helps you to catch the killer..
Charlie

 

[hcammack]

I am at about the same place as you right now I have been losing a bird every other day to a dam fox now I am spending tons of $$$ on a new run for the birds and I am also trying to add two or three replacement pullets to make up for the 5 pullets and hens I have lost. I am just down in he dumps but hopefully things will start to look up after the new runs are done and I have a trio of Blue and Black Ameraucana and I hopefully will be able to sell eggs in the spring.

Henry

 

[Tailfeathers]

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Interesting and informative site. Unfortunately, here in WA the Animal-Rights activists outlawed the use of leghold traps. The only traps that are legal are the Hav-a-Hart type box traps. If I remember correctly, you're can't even trap moles legally in this State.

God Bless,

 

[The Chicken Lady]

I am sincerely sorry to hear about your loss; Wellington was a splendid bird and I have enjoyed seeing pictures of him.

Please don't let this setback discourage you or cause you to sell off all your chickens... You have such a nice flock!

 

[wilds of pa]

WOW WA state outlawed traps.. thats unbelievable? it appears trapping is legal from what I'm reading just now..just doesn't make sense not being allowed to use leg holds..only way is if you have a ANIMAL PROBLEM and then have to apply for the permit and also prove you have a problem..quess then you can use them..(Conibear trap in water, a padded foothold trap, or a non-strangling type foot snare to alleviate an animal problem.)
http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/game/trapping/index.htm

How about using cable restraints.. not snares but restraints..they do not hurt the animal and do not kill them once caught like some snares do or can, that way if you catch somebody's pet dog or kitty you can release it with out any harm done if you choose to do so..

I use them here, but i had to get certified by the pa game commission to use them, they are easy to make and very cheap to buy and not to difficult to use.

Here's how they work and idea's on how and where to set them, this manual is very helpful..you can buy them on ebay and any trapping supply company on line.
http://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/Documents/13811.pdf

These are very effective on smart critters..Ive caught a few smart fox using them that i couldn't catch in a leg hold trap.

charlie