Best bait for live trapping?

[cheirogloss]

What is the best bait for live trapping a coon or possum?

Where do I place the trap in proximity to the coop?

 

[Ridgerunner]

Some people use a can of sardines. I had success with a raccoon using peanut butter.

If you know which way he is approaching, just put if on that side.

 

[Mrs.Puff]

Place the trap up against the side of the coop, with the trigger mechanism (which usually is a wire bar that runs on the outside of the cage) up against the wall. This prevents the critter from snapping the trap shut from the outside. If your pets are not able to get to the trap, you want to bait it with something meaty and smelly. If your animals can get to it, try a cob of dry corn. Some people go for peanut butter/marshmallows, but dogs like PB. Little pieces of stuff (like cat food or corn kernels) aren't the best choice b/c mice can get in there and trip the trigger.

If you find that the bait is missing and the trap is snapped, sometimes a varmint bigger than the trap has gotten in, and the door wouldn't shut all the way, allowing it to back out.

 

[ErieSpurs]

A dough ball made out of bread and molasses works good. You can push the dough right down on the floor of the trap or the mechanism. They love the sugary taste and they have to work at it, they can't just pick it up and run.

 

[Kittymomma]

I've heard a lot of people say they've done very well with marshmallows. Raccoons have a sweet tooth and like the marshmallows, but your cats (if you have them) don't. Saves on re-setting the trap or having a cat in it when Mr. raccoon comes calling. Good luck catching it!

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

Crack open a can of sardines. Ya want it open just enough to emit a smell. You want to attract coons that are already at the coop an not attract them from miles away. Also you don't want them to get to the food. They will fight with the can an set off the trap. I tie the can to the trap too. One can can last a long time.

 

[Germaine_11.20]

 

[TexasVet]

I've had good luck with dry dog and/or cat food. Cat food is better, because it has that fishy smell. I leave a small trail up to the trap, then pour some onto the pressure plate inside the trap.

I think it works so well because they dig around to get the small pieces, which triggers the trap.

I've caught possums, raccoons, a buzzard (that was a hoot!), and a bobcat. Oh, and the neighbor's cat a couple of times.

Kathy, Bellville TX
www.ChickenTrackin.com

 

[TexasVet]

I've had good luck with dry dog and/or cat food. Cat food is better, because it has that fishy smell. I leave a small trail up to the trap, then pour some onto the pressure plate inside the trap.

I think it works so well because they dig around to get the small pieces, which triggers the trap.

I've caught possums, raccoons, a buzzard (that was a hoot!), and a bobcat. Oh, and the neighbor's cat a couple of times.

Kathy, Bellville TX
www.ChickenTrackin.com

 

[Iowa Roo Mom]

Depends on if you have outdoor cats. If so, and you use sardines, tuna, cat food, or the like, you'll probably wake up to Kitty in the cage...
I'd use marshmallows and maple syrup. If you can, wire the marshmallows to the cage, or it's likley he'll just reah in for a quick snack.
Good luck and keep us updated!