Caught an Possum. Killed a chook and eating eggs/chicken food. What to do?

[bobbi-j]

YES well said! But take them away... 60 miles or more!!! you would be amazed how far they will travel to return to their "home".

I am so glad I don't live within 60 miles of you. As stated above, it's cruel to relocate an animal far from its home. Not to mention, I live in the country and don't appreciate your now trap-wise animals being dumped here to kill MY chickens because they can't survive naturally in their "new home". I think I should trap my coons and possums and take them to your town. It's so much easier for them to get along there. So many people who leave cat and dog food outside at night, hundreds of garbage cans and dumpsters to raid and the occasional backyard chicken... how much better could it get? Yep, I think that's a pretty good plan.

OP - do you know anyone who owns a gun? If so, take it out of town and put it down.

To anyone who wants to trap a predator - Please don't do it unless you have figured out how to humanely put the thing down once you've caught it. It's a little late to be thinking about it after it's in the trap.

 

[Barbedwirecat]

I caught the possum in a small dog crate a use for QT new birds. I HAD to catch it because it was IN my fully enclosed pen and would not get out. I ran to a top corner and it was either catch is that way or risk getting bitten. I am aware of the rabies risks associated with these animals and this was the only option I had at 12pm at night. I didn't "trap" it in a regular trap. I don't normally trap animals at all, I don't leave out bait intentionally and I don't go looking for trouble.

I ended up driving about 3 miles out to the local dump and relocating it there. YES it will probably be trapped and killed. Or eaten by a coyote. But it had a few more days and a little more chance that way. No one I knew of would come and dispose of it that late at night and I didn't want it stressed and sitting in a cage overnight while I figured out what to do. Yes it may come back too, but I'm patching up the entrances I see that it might have gotten in by. Problem solved hopefully.

Drowning is never an option. I would rather shoot something at point blank range than put it through that misery. Stating that breeders do that to unwanted puppies? Not good breeders. They adopt after contracting a strict spay/neuter clause. Backyard breeders, maybe. Not anyone I know.

I am still working on patching what little holes I can see that it could have gotten into my coop. I think it got in under the storage shed that is right next to the coop and through the rafters.

To state that it would be like dumping a person, cat, or dog into the wild is similar to relocating a wild animal is absurd. I was not relocating a ostrich. Or a person. Or something that was not already local wildlife. It CAME from the wild. Was raised there, and knows how to live there. I AM the one who has encroached on its territory. I do understand there are pecking orders with any animal class structure---but I did not relocate so far away that the territory would be unfamiliar to the original animals habitat. I had every right to shoot the possum, but thought that I would do a more humane thing and give it a little chance (however slim as I've been lectured on) near its native area.

If any of you live near my local dump, I apologize---there is one more possum in the area. Lock up your chickens (you should anyway--we have SO many coyotes and raccoons out here) and it shouldn't be your problem either. Feel free to trap it and shoot it at your leisure---he's the one with the beady eyes and the fur.

I started this so I could get some good info on what my immidiate action should be, but I didn't get a quick response---so I took my own. Sorry if that bothers anyone, but it was my choice. Thanks for all of the advice.

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

I agree with destroying the critter, but what did you do with the rehab critters?

Just to be clear, I only accepted rehab cases of endangered animals, for example...http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Peregrine_Falcon/id I no longer participate in wildlife rehab efforts.

 

[zazouse]

Just to be clear, I only accepted rehab cases of endangered animals, for example...http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Peregrine_Falcon/id I no longer participate in wildlife rehab efforts.

So what do the rehabers do with the unendangered animals, i am just wondering because it sound kinda conflicting when you are told not to capture and release yet their are folks that save the young ones, so i wondered what do they do with them if they do not release them.

Thank you for answering my questions.
Do you hunt with falcons? i think they are so beautiful as are all birds of prey.

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

So what do the rehabers do with the unendangered animals, i am just wondering because it sound kinda conflicting when you are told not to capture and release yet their are folks that save the young ones, so i wondered what do they do with them if they do not release them.

Thank you for answering my questions.
Do you hunt with falcons? i think they are so beautiful as are all birds of prey.

I can't answer that today on personal experience, i haven't worked in animal control for 14 years. Most rehabbers I knew or worked with, would not accept a "nuisance animal" for rehabilitation. The people that volunteer to do it, are just that, volunteers. These people pay for the animals care until release. They have guidelines to follow, but care enough to offer their help.. (for Indiana, there's a big list classified as nuisance - even deer!) Any animal i did accept, I released on DNR recommendations, or turned the animal over to them. I did keep one skunk (descented), and one raccoon for 4H, neighborhood events, boy and girl scout training programs, any way I could educate the public on the most common nuisance animals. The children, or parents were NOT allowed to touch or handle them. These were still wild animals, but were neutered, and vaccinated with regular veterinary checkups. I paid an annual permit to be able to keep them, and had inspections of the living quarters. There are several reptile, amphibian, and even turtles that are endangered or "of concern". The falcon are truly very beautiful birds, but all animals are to me. Hawks, vultures etc. are also protected under the migratory fowl act.
You are most welcome, good questions to be asked

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

I am so glad I don't live within 60 miles of you. As stated above, it's cruel to relocate an animal far from its home. Not to mention, I live in the country and don't appreciate your now trap-wise animals being dumped here to kill MY chickens because they can't survive naturally in their "new home". I think I should trap my coons and possums and take them to your town. It's so much easier for them to get along there. So many people who leave cat and dog food outside at night, hundreds of garbage cans and dumpsters to raid and the occasional backyard chicken... how much better could it get? Yep, I think that's a pretty good plan.

OP - do you know anyone who owns a gun? If so, take it out of town and put it down.

To anyone who wants to trap a predator - Please don't do it unless you have figured out how to humanely put the thing down once you've caught it. It's a little late to be thinking about it after it's in the trap.

bobbi-j You wouldn't need to worry. If I trap it, I will "put it down" if its a nuisance animal. I use humane traps in the event its a pet..dog or cat. You can bet if its a pet, I will be visiting the owner as well. I have lost an 8 week old bottle fed kid (goat) confined in a 6 foot chain link fence no less, by 2 very vicious stray dogs. Gruesome horrible death, and almost got my 70 year old Dad too.. never again, i even bought my Dad a rifle.

 

[bobbi-j]

bobbi-j You wouldn't need to worry. If I trap it, I will "put it down" if its a nuisance animal. I use humane traps in the event its a pet..dog or cat. You can bet if its a pet, I will be visiting the owner as well. I have lost an 8 week old bottle fed kid (goat) confined in a 6 foot chain link fence no less, by 2 very vicious stray dogs. Gruesome horrible death, and almost got my 70 year old Dad too.. never again, i even bought my Dad a rifle.

Live-traps here as well. We don't have neighbors' pets to worry about (our nearest neighbor is a mile away, and everyone knows everyone else's dogs in our area), but I do have some wild barn cats, and curious chickens. I hope those dogs were taken care of so they never have a chance to attack again...

 

[Mattemma]

I prefer to dispatch,but if the kids get wind of the trapped animal I will be forced to relocate. I actually prefer it with possums since I hate dispatching moms,but I will do it. Coons forget it.They get no chance.

I would be cautious though as relocation is often illgeal. Not as big a fine as say killing a hawk,but it can still dent the pocketbook.

Set a live trap. Havahart 1089 has caught over 40+ coons and possums for me.You will be amazed at the numbers in your area.

Car exauhst gassing is also something I have read about.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Quote: Kids should learn about reality

 

[zazouse]

Agreed !