Cant catch this predator, Updated last post

[sunflowerenvy]

when we used to have REDs there was somethings eating them it was a racoon. we lost 5 hens until my hubby caught it with long pitch fork and knife. he cut the head off and hang the body letting the blood drain out near the coop. we did not have anymore problem for 7 monthes

 

[millie481]

We had some problems with predators last year...until my hubby wounded a coon and a few nights later killed an opposom.

We left the body at the door of the coop over night. have not had problems since.

 

[aprophet]

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[AHappychick]

Thank you aprophet I never knew to set a live trap that way I will do that tonight.

I ordered a body trap and the stuff to set it without hurting myself and will try that in a bucket as well. So far it is still eluding me.

 

[chicknmania]

Quote:
Well, now....I think I'm gonna have to refer to the sticky. It does work both ways. I could say more.....but I have better things to do with my time. Your conscience.

 

[AHappychick]

ugg well all you coon lovers (i say that mostly in jest) will be happy to know that the thing has been outsmarting me all week. Did the trap thing, no coon, still waiting on the body trap to arrive.
\\
On day 3 it climbed back into the duck pen and ate all th poison/jelly, then it apparently took a big poop in the corner and literally shook the support beam holding up on corner of the pen until the nails popped out! then it ripped a new hole and escaped.

I think the poison only makes it stronger and more ticked off as it certainly is not killing it. I am not going to bother with poison ever again as what is the point I am not trying to make it suffer a tummy ache I want a quick death.

Anyway it is causing all sorts of damage and although it can not get to the animals it is giving it a hearty try and breaking a lot of things in the attempt.

So far:
Coon 3 Susan 0

 

[ivan3]

Have you tried spreading flour around bait/poison so as to ID pred by tracks left in powder?

Don't give up on the havahart, yet. : https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=232969

 

[AHappychick]

well I have seen it in person and it is the biggest coon i have ever laid my eyes on. I could try the flour just to be sure but will have to wait until the weather is better. It also took a big dump in the pen and I am sure it was coon scat.

The body trap arrived yesterday so I am going to set that up in the pen now and see if I can catch it that way.

I am really at my wits end I just rebuilt the duck pen a few months ago and now will have to do it yet again. At least the ducks dont seem to bothered at being in the turkey pen (no turkeys at the moment) but I want them back in their old pen soon as it is tiering carrying water out to them every day.

hopefully tonight the body trap will work.

 

[brendapa]

You go get 'em Susan. I'm rooting for you!


Brenda in PA

 

[Backyard_Chicken_rancher]

Ok first off the animal maybe bigger then the trap you are using to catch it say like a Coyote or a big dog so if you use the leg trap all you need to do is call the animal control in the area and they will come remove it or dispose of it for you there maybe a small fee however. if you would like to do it yourself you could kill by feeding the poison to it while it is in the trap and then just wait.
As for the price of traps you could look online but I have found that flemmings is your better prices for them. If useing a leg trap look for the area where it may come and go in/through they tend to use the same path each time also be sure to cover it well and cover the scent by allowing it time to gather the outdoor scent or rub it in the area arond your home such as dirt pathes or straw anthing to get the scent off of it.

You sound as if you hunt so you should know about all of this.

Good luck to you