ARGH, Possum in my run and dh wouldn't let me kill it! *HUGE RANT*

[redhen]

Do possums really eat chickens? I thought they were too lazy/laid back for that...i thought they ate the eggs or chicken food maybe...

 

[Opa]

Possums aren't as laid back as you'd think. They can and do kill full grown chickens. They normally take them off the roost.

 

[kcsunshine]

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I agree with fancbrdfrme02 except for one thing. The ones I catch are dead meat, period.

I am not out to exterminate every pred on my small farm. I have a great love of wildlife and no real hatred of poultry preds, but the ones that show up for a meal of my chooks are dead meat.

Why? Because they crossed that line of no return, and from then on can be counted upon to keep coming back for a chance at some yummy, live, defenseless poultry.

Not on my watch. Catch-and-release around here means releasing into a freshly-dug hole in the woods.

Smoky Mountain justice. Right on!

 

[redhen]

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ooh..good to know Opa..

 

[kcsunshine]

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Years ago, before I knew better, I had banties (bantums to all you BYCers). We did not have them in a protected coop but they had a little sheltered roosting shed. One night I heard some squawking and ran down with a flashlight. There was a possum on the roost, trying to knock them off. I'm told if one falls off the possum falls off on it and it's a gone chickie. I beat that sucker to death with a stick.

 

[lildinkem]

I thought I had a coop well sealed up. Only to have a chicken die each of 3 of 4 nites. I am sure it was a Possum. They do kill and eat chickens. Do not hesitate in eliminating them when you can. Last time I checked, there is no shortage of Possums. lololol

 

[twentynine]

Fix your chicken run and coop so it will keep a possum out. That a way, you ain't got to kill anything. Possums are not evil, thay are following their nature, you as owner protector of the chickens are the responsible party.

 

[lngrid]

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I can totally sympathize with how you feel, baltimoreharps. I agree with twentynine and I can see your husband's point as well. Depending on the child, it can be very traumatizing to see an animal clubbed to death, or not. Only you and your DH know your children, but in my child's case it would definitely been the wrong call. For me, NOTHING comes before my child's welfare. Nothing. But taking twentynine's very sage advice would eliminate the issue and teach your kids how to create a secure run when they grow up and decide to keep chickies just like Mom did.

 

[thespinningcottage]

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[Ibicella]

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BUT WHY IS THE RUM GONE?!

Oh...I have a possum in my cup. I think he needs some coffee.