Caught a domesticated ferret killing

[mlmanjoney]

I am so sick guys. Caught a domesticated ferret that killed all my chickens. Saved one. Now I am being told that a ferret wouldn't do that and it had to have been a racoon or a weasel. What are the odds of me catching a ferret moments after finding my 6 juvenile pullets dead by a single bite.

Kids and I are devastated. My coop is predator proof but I guess my run has some gaps in the hardware cloth. Trying to find the ferrets owner even though I want to let my dog have it.

 

[Folly's place]

They legally owe you for your animals, as they are, and their production, and possibly more. Call Animal Control tomorrow, and have them deal with it, and make up a bill for replacing your birds, at least, and not bargain basement birds either. Get them in the wallet!!!
Mary

 

[Willow2253]

Ferrets are carnivorous and very much like weasels, so to me it’s not surprising that one might go after chickens given the chance. I’m so sorry that it went after your birds and you lost so many. I know you’re upset, but it might be easiest to see if an animal shelter in your area will take it, especially if it was someone’s pet.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Is there any way you can live trap it? If there is concern about rabies, do NOT let your dog have it and do NOT shoot it in the head. It needs to be tested, and possibly quarantined for 14 days. Animal Control would know. Yes, you are probably entitled to compensation, but that is a civil matter for small claims court. Even if rabies is not a concern, the ferret could injure your dog and then you would have vet bills. I am sorry for your loss and your troubles, with your birds, your irresponsible and uncaring neighbors, and with the hateful people on social media. I wish you well.

 

[Folly's place]

I'm so sorry!
It's a weasel, and acting like weasels do. And I agree, but send it to Animal Control instead, or shoot it. I hope you aren't handling it, and didn't get it's fresh saliva on any of you from handling your dead birds. If yes, Animal Control, and have it tested for rabies, because it's the safest thing to do any time you have such contact, with a critter who's likely not vaccinated.
Most of learn the hard way that our chickens aren't protected well enough, and it's awful!
Do upgrade everything, and don't give up on having chickens!
Mary

 

[Folly's place]

And they should have fallen all over themselves apologizing, and made an offer to cover all your costs. And thanked you for not killing their little darling.
Mary

 

[mlmanjoney]

It was caught. my dog flushed it and I had grabbed it with a towel and shoved it in a cat carrier. This ferret is living in a rabbit hutch in a garage. It has chewed it's way out twice in the past month apparently.

Animal Control was called but essentially shrugged me off since I didn't have video. Something that is changing this week.

Honestly I would have handled this better if it was a wild animal and not someones ignorance on how to properly care for their pet. I had ferrets years ago and they never escaped my house.

I begged them to do better. I had to get a permit for my chickens... but any ignorant pet owner can go get a ferret.

Having a hard time finding replacement birds, because I had a mixed flock and I don't want all the same breed. Local farms are only doing straight run and I don't have good luck with that, and no roosters allowed in my city. Just heartsick and depressed over this. Sorry for rambling, they were my pets and I wanted chickens since I was young.

 

[mlmanjoney]

I'm so sorry!
It's a weasel, and acting like weasels do. And I agree, but send it to Animal Control instead, or shoot it. I hope you aren't handling it, and didn't get it's fresh saliva on any of you from handling your dead birds. If yes, Animal Control, and have it tested for rabies, because it's the safest thing to do any time you have such contact, with a critter who's likely not vaccinated.
Most of learn the hard way that our chickens aren't protected well enough, and it's awful!
Do upgrade everything, and don't give up on having chickens!
Mary

I want to say thank you. Posted this on my local chicken chatter and I was attacked and told I killed my chick

And they should have fallen all over themselves apologizing, and made an offer to cover all your costs. And thanked you for not killing their little darling.
Mary

honestly they were so nonchalant about it I was horrified. I asked the 11 year old that came to get the ferret how he'd feel if I wasn't able to catch the ferret before my dog did. He shrugged. And then I dealt with a lot of people on Facebook blaming me because a domesticated ferret wouldn't kill 6 juvenile pullets in 90 minutes. (guess what, it definitely can happen) So I appreciate you folks for being kind. We are heartsick over here. Hubby is going over every inch of the run tomorrow.

Getting a backyard camera Friday because I know it will be back and I want proof. The cage it is in is appropriate for a rabbit, NOT a ferret.

 

[mlmanjoney]

I won't lie, I almost killed the thing with my bare hands. But I swear if it gets in my yard again I will let my dog rip it to shreds. And I know it will be back because irresponsible pet owners suck.

 

[mlmanjoney]

I am just so scared about shipping chicks. I know it is done all the time

After a lot of searches I found a couple places that have pullets. Just need to make sure I can find friendly ones. 4 of my 6 were lap chickens and I miss my afternoon snuggle party already.

Thanks everyone.