Challenging predator has showed up.

[McKennA]

We have a secure coop, researched and implemented quite a few of the suggestions on this site, so far so good. We also trap and dispatch (permanently) vermin. Please move on from this thread if you have an issue with that. Count is two coons, one possum, since the chickens went outside in June. Three days ago found clues that we have a new visitor, quickly realized that this time the culprit is much more experienced. First morning-sardine can which just has can opener holes in it, is tipped to it's side near end of trap. Fly trap by compost bin that has remained untouched all these months has been pulled down, sardine can is nowhere to be found, actually broke the branch to get the fly trap down. Ok, you have my attention. Pretty sure I am dealing with a raccoon. Next night load trap with marshmallows, dig hole under trap for sardine can, heavier weight on trap, and place rocks around bait end to deter grabbing through trap. Move game cam closer to try to get photographic evidence. Second morning-trap is tripped, marshmallows are gone, lots of digging from inside the trap to try get sardine can, spent a lot of time in there, but was somehow able to get out. Game cam no help, just took pictures of me and video after the trap was tripped, ugh. Reset trap, stake the marshmallows down, fiddle with the game cam, will it to please do it's job tonight. Third morning, marshmallows are gone, trap is still set, sardine can is gone from under the trap, without moving the trap. When I retrieve the chip from the game cam, I notice that the rubber stopper underneath has been pulled out and is hanging, hmm, that's interesting.

Tag team apparently, and can't believe one of them was fiddling with the camera in the second picture. Husband may have to sit out and go all Rambo on the little bandits.

Any others have similar experiences? How were you able to catch them ultimately? Any ideas on how they snatch the bait and either trip the trap and get out or, get the bait without tripping it?

 

[BantyChooks]

Wow, glad it isn't eating your chickens. It is rather strange, but I have heard of raccoons working together.

Hope you catch the little rascal!

 

[123RedBeard]

Check your traps locking setup ... is it able to be pushed back open? Adjust/bend so it can't happen ...

Add a weight to the door, so it is harder to re-open ...

Take a nap in the afternoon ... sit up with shotgun munching marshmellows and sardines!

Get a "dog-proof" raccoon trap ...

from a comment of a youtube video - "the problem was if the raccoon pulled the door in, it would release. i got a little piece of chain and two small hooks, and now they can't pull the door in far enough to release it."

 

[123RedBeard]

Check out this thread ... especially post #11

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/994323/havahart-trap-not-trapping-coons

 

[McKennA]

Thanks Redbeard that is a good thread. I have made some adjustments to the trap, added some hardware cloth, and have a suspended wire cage for the bait. We had some more activity already tonight. Looked out back on my way to bed and notice the spotlight has been activated by the coop, and I see something walking around. Husband grabs the .22 and out we go. We find a mom and three young raccoons. The trap is tripped again, and the young'uns are all over the trap trying to grab the bait cage. Mom and one kiddo didn't get away. I hope the game cam shows how they were able to trip the trap, but apparently Mom was teaching them well because nobody was in the trap.

 

[123RedBeard]

Not sure what brand trap you have ... I have a few different size traps made by Havahart ... If they nudge the bar on the outside it will will trip it ... Do you have a way to protect that side with say a board ... So the linkage is protected from bumping?

Now that momma is gone, babies should be easier to catch ...

 

[123RedBeard]

So ... Did you catch the rest of them ... ?

 

[bobbi-j]

Raccoons are crafty little buggers! In one sense, I love how creative they can be - they fascinate me! That having been said, good for you for eliminating the problems! I wonder if mama was a trap-wise product of someone catching and "rehoming"?