Coyotes

[J-Sanders]

Are they impossible to catch/trap/shoot?
That's what ate my dear Maple and went after my Luna. I've seen it 3 days in a row. It's huge!
My husband is after it now, but I hate to say my girls will be locked up until the coyote is gone!!!!
I know they are usually solitaire. Buying a live trap that big is a bit spendy. Maybe we can make one that's not a snare. There are too many dogs/cats that can get hurt.
What are our chances of getting this awful predator?

Yes, you can do all three but shooting is by far the easiest and most humane way.

You should see their canines! Twice as big as a shepard's.

They are definitely not solitary in their habits unless they have been kicked out of the pack. Where you see one there are at least six in the woods you can't see.

Have your husband put out the call within his circle of friends, most likely there is a coyote hunter among them and he will be most willing to come over with his gear and put a hurtin on the yote.

As Centrarchid said, it may be a wolf in which case it may be protected by law. I would contact the local wildlife dept. and inquire about nuisance wolves in your area. Sadly, you may have to provide them with photos of dead carcasses and of the wolf in question to get them to act.

 

[Aschenfire]

Coyotes are more solitary animals than wolves... they rarely run in big "packs". And as mentioned, they are not big animals. Maybe 30-35 pounds maximum. Some male yotes might be bigger but not by much.

I must say that if your birds are not in a secure run, they are fair game for anything that eats chicken. If your run is truly secure, they will be safe from predators. Coyotes do have a purpose and are not *worthless*, as someone said. I personally love them, and if I thought I had any which could get close to my birds, I'd make sure to take preventative measures so that my animals were not on the menu. Don't **** a predator for feeding itself if food is freely available. Just make sure the buffet line is not open.

I am sorry that you had to lose a bird...it's hard to lose a family pet, but it also alerts you to the fact that you need to change your game plan.

Killing one hungry coyote/fox/whatever might be a temporary fix, but there is always something else out there with a craving for chicken dinner.

 

[LR Gamefarm]

try calling it in and shooting it to call it you can get a predator call usaully when it hears the call he should come runnning in thats when you shoot it i have coyotes around my place and have never had a problem with them the coyote must be hungry if hes coming out in the day whatever you do do not coner it

 

[Nicole01]

We have cats, neighbors have small dogs too.

We have an awesome run, but nothing beats free ranging. We are fencing our property next year. We'll be able to allow our dogs outside in the fenced area. The dogs leave the chickens alone.

 

[Nicole01]

I worry about my kids safety too. Their only 9 and 11 and small stature.

 

[Aschenfire]

Coyote is not going to attack your kids. Not unless they chase and corner the yote. They really are not aggressive animals. People seem to equate "predator" with "aggressive". A cocker spaniel or dalmatian (two of the breeds of dog most likely to bite according to groomers) are more likely to bite your kids than a coyote.

 

[Nicole01]

If its rabid it will go after the kids. I'm surprised to see it out and about crossing the streets and going from one coop to the next. I've seen a skunk not too long ago out roaming midday.

I have a great run! It's wired with hardware cloth and welded wire. The problem is that when its 90 outside, the run hits above 100.. We planted trees, but they will take a while to grow for natural shade.

My hens love to free range! We are going to try our best to get this coyote. I will not have my dogs chase it due to a potential big vet bill.

 

[Aschenfire]

Things are hungry and thirsty...summertime, especially summers like everyone has been having this year, is tough on all the wild things. You'll see more daytime activity as they look for food and water, I think. At any rate, good luck.

I'm one of the few here who will often feel for the predator as well as the prey. Basic nature of animals doing what they do, and being slowly squeezed out of their natural places by more human housing and encroachment on the remaining *suitable* homes for these guys.

And yes, that is a super looking run! Maybe a misting system and fans would help during this horrible sizzling summer.

 

[hokankai]

I'm with Aschenfire on this one. I've lost several birds to coyotes and they were all my fault. Once you let them out of their secure area they're up for grabs, and shooting or trapping your yote will only make room for another to move in.

What I do now is only let my birds out when we're working outside or willing to watch them. Coyotes will not come close if they smell you as they're very wary. If you stay close to your birds and/or are making a lot of noise working outside then you're chances of losing one are a lot lower. I NEVER let my birds out when it feels "too quiet" outside where none of the neighbors' kids are playing outside and people aren't working in their yards because that's when it always happens. I've just learned to sense when to let them out and when to keep them in. My birds have learned this too and will stay in the run if something doesn't feel right.

 

[TurtlePowerTrav]

1000% sure it's a coyote. I saw it at 1:30pm at my run that is up against my house yesterday.

I hope there is only one. I don't want to lose another hen. These girls are my pets like a dog or a cat.
I did see a wolf in my backyard about 5 years ago, it was as tall as a Golden Retriever and scrawny looking.
This coyote is full looking, has a fluffy tail, tan in color with the upright big ears as tall as my Australian shepherd.
I pray to God, there is only 1 and not a pack or pair. It would never fit in the fox trap, so we are taking that back to the store.

Your Ausie is no match for a coyote. I also have an ausie and I have a young breeding pair of coyotes in my area. Luckily I live in rural area so I can freely shoot to kill them. The first time I saw the yotes I just grabbed my paintball gun I keep for keeping dogs and cats off my property and shot the yote with it. Havent seen it back but I now have a .22 rifle if it does come back. The only good coyote is a dead one in my opinion. I have lost way too many mousers to them. Good luck with the vermin.