Bold Bobcat

[Blooie]

I agree! You need to be as persistent as the bobcat is. Keep notes about who you talked to and when, and keep moving up that chain of command until you finally reach the strong link.

 

[MistyMountain]

I agree with what everyone else is saying. That is a bold bobcat, way too bold for my comfort at least. I don't know how big this one is, but they have been known to hunt larger prey in the form of goats and sheep (I'm sure it could be assumed that young deer would fall into the category). My biggest motivation, and probably the biggest point that I would make is that you have a bold bobcat, who is not afraid to come into your yard and take a chicken literally right in front of you and that you have young grandchildren who play in the same area.

I also free range, and accept predator losses as the "mother nature" tax. That said, I live in the country and I feel like I am basically setting the table for predators here. Sure, I do what I can to prevent it (mean rooster, good alert dog, lock them up with the threat is bad) but I also try to think like the predator. How can I blame them for doing what is natural for them? All bets are off, though, if one is so bold as so take something right in front of me OR if it is something that poses as a threat to the safety of my boys.

I wish you the best of luck!

 

[Carols Clucks]

Thanks for the ideas. I know a few people who would love to have that cat on their wall. But in my town they want us to co-exist. I still have one live trap for raccoon sized critters but A/C let us know that should we catch something we would be reaponsie for the cost to rehab and they would release where it was caught. They did come and pick up am aggressive sick raccoon a couple of months ago. I loaned out the other 3 traps to a fellow chicken raising friend and have not asked for them back since I have no plans on rehabbing any critter for AC

There are two elementary schools, 2 daycares, a church, large active cemetery plus close to a HS and JrHigh walking route all in the area this bobcat is working.

I think this cat is sick. But AC does not want to help, the state guy I talked to today is in San Diego and just to throw rocks at it, carry a super soaker, use a hose, buy an airhorn. Keep the kitty cat inside and the small dog on a leash. But it is not like the bobcat is hanging out where we can see him. He is hunting and leaping to attack. Not a really good opportunity to throw a rock.

Anyway..... I am thinking of adding to my hardware cloth covered run with a run covered with the 2x4 garden fencing. Something we can let the hens out to get some dirt time in while we are in the garden with them. I don't think the cat could pull the fencing apart. Any thoughts? I have to move a small citrus tree but could get them about 10x16 of day space. I have already spent a ton on a secure coop and run and have other things that need fixing

We can't get a replacement rooster or I would

 

[Folly's place]

Thank God that I live in an area with more sensible rules and regs! I would not be happy with this critter acting this way, and would want to take steps to eliminate the problem. Maybe you haven't talked to the right person? Have you read the pertinent laws in your area/ state? I still think live trapping him is a good idea. Mary

 

[azygous]

A few years back, I had a very persistent bobcat. It was very smart. After breaking into the run and killing one hen, I watched it the following day jump against the gate to try to get it to pop open. It circled the pen, trying to find a vulnerable spot.

Fish and Wildlife came and set a live trap with a dead pigeon for bait. The bobcat eluded the trap and continued it's predations.

Finally, I got off two direct hits with rubber shot with my 12 gauge, and the cat never returned.

Kikiriki has some great suggestions. The goal is to do something to make it unpleasant for the bobcat to encourage it to move on.

A hot wire strung along the top of your run and coop would do a lot to discourage predators, and plug-in chargers are relatively inexpensive. Your local hardware or Lowes-type building supply can instruct you on how to do it and sell you the materials. You can install a system in under an hour, it's so simple and easy. The shock is no greater than a shock from a static charged carpet, so there's no danger to humans from it.

 

[jtn42248]

Trap and release in the area where trapped????? What purpose does that serve? I lived in Calif. for half of my adult life and was always amazed at the solutions they would come up with to deal with predatory animals. First I would ask, are you in an area (city limits) that would prohibit the discharge of a firearm? If not then I would get something to defend my property and livestock with. Throwing a rock or shouting at a bobcat is not going to do any good. You either have to trap and release someplace distant from the original trap zone or dispose of the cat. We have had a bobcat around us here and we actually caught it on top of our barn trying to pry up the roofing to get to our ducks. We shot at it but missed. It did take of but came back the next day. That is when our Anatolian Shepherd put the fear of God in him and he has not been back yet.

 

[FarmerMac]

Thank God that I live in an area with more sensible rules and regs! I would not be happy with this critter acting this way, and would want to take steps to eliminate the problem. Maybe you haven't talked to the right person? Have you read the pertinent laws in your area/ state? I still think live trapping him is a good idea. Mary

I second that, if a predator come near my coop, he is a goner. A 12 gauge takes care of it.