chickens and dog proof traps

[Kirkwooder]

Here is a picture of a dog.

 

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

Here is a closeup of coon paw caught in trap. There is a second coon behind the first. These pics were taken this past october 2020. I assume these were same coons that killed my neighbors entire flock. Neighbor failed to catch them in live trap. (Possibly because they had been caught elsewhere and released.) Then they attempted to move in on my flock, despite my lgds being there to protect my chickens. I went outside & saw the coons by flashlight in trees after dogs barked frantically several nights in a row. I also failed to catch them in a live trap. So researched and purchased 2 "duke dog-proof coon traps." Very next morn caught these 2 coons. Caught 4 more; nothing since. Took care of these coons with a humane shot between the eyes with a 22 rifle. Which was much more humane than what they did to my neighbors chickens, & intended to do to mine. Raccoons are also capable of severely injuring dogs, so there was also that.

 

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

Ps. Its important to chain trap to tree, fence post, etc, or the coon will run off with your trap. U can see they climbed the fence after trap went off, but could go no further. You tube videos of coon hunters using these traps show them chaining the traps to trees in the woods.

 

[Kirkwooder]

Dog proof coon traps are a very humane and efficient way to catch problem coon. Normally they are set on the ground, and when triggered, simply hold the coon by a single front foot. I have released several coon from these and never had them show any sign of distress after release. Mind you I am not in favor of releasing problem coon. They tend to return from very long distance releases, and are then that much harder to catch again, and when released any distance from their home range can spread disease and stress existing populations. I prefer to kill them and eliminate the problem for good.

 

[Mmanist]

I use live traps so if I have an accidental catch I can release it. I have caught skunks, possums, fox, rabbits, cats, a vulture in my traps. I actually caught an owl once.

Just let a cat size fox loose couple weeks back. He isn't what I'm after

 

[bristol]

I have caught coons & possums in the dog-proof traps before, & have 2 set currently as i type. The trip lever inside the trap can Only be set off if the lever is grasped & Pulled. Pushing on the lever from above has no effect. Thats why dog-proof traps only work with small critters that have grasping hands & fingers, such as coons and possums. Someone on another thread did warn me that a dog could possibly get their Tongue caught in the trap, But I really dont see any possible way a chicken could insert their head and beak in far enough to get under the lever & trip the trap. However i do put the traps out of range of my chickens during the daytime, because they certainly will eat all the tuna & dog kibble they can reach with their beak. Making it necessary to re-bait the trap every night.

Thank you I actually covered the trap during the day because I have to many free range animals. During the day and would not want any accodents

 

[itsasmallfarm]

i use those traps for coons.

so far i have caught (with it) raccoons, a skunk, a cat (which i released it had no damage what so ever) a few mice and a gopher.