Caught a domesticated ferret killing

[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]

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.

 

[Willow2253]

If it does show up again, give it to animal control or a shelter. If those people can’t safely take care of their animal they don’t deserve to have it.

 

[reddogmaster2]

I would skin the weasel, soak the carcass in bleach to mask the smell of dead decaying animal and at my property line, impale the weasel on a Pike to alert all the other predators that death lies ahead, move along.

But that's just little ol me!

 

[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.

 

[birdlover2]

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

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.

You've had a horrific time....those owners should have the ferret taken away from them for sure. Also, you should get financial compensation like another on this thread suggested.

 

[reddogmaster2]

You've had a horrific time....those owners should have the ferret taken away from them for sure. Also, you should get financial compensation like another on this thread suggested.

Who is going to take the ferret away?

As unseamly as it is, the ferret needs to be dispatched. It has tasted blood and will be back.

Ferrets do what Ferrets do...Humans, however, are the great "hall monitors" of nature.

 

[Folly's place]

I'll repeat, if it's dead, have it tested for rabies, if you've handled it. And boost your dog's vaccinations.
See if Animal Control will act in your best interest here, call tomorrow. Take pictures, if you haven't, and if it returns.
Mary

 

[Bear1978]

Dang.. That sucks! If it happens again I’d let your pooch have himself a ferret shaped Scooby snack. Or make a nice ferret Shaw out of it and place it in a nice gift back in the owners’ porch.

 

[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.