Daytime predators

[PotterWatch]

What are the most likely daytime predators that could be getting my birds? I've lost a few hens recently but what really hurt was losing my rooster yesterday. I doubt it was a predator bird as he was a big rooster. No sign of feathers or anything left behind but we have 112 acres and our birds free-range so its very possible we just haven't found the leavings. We live in south-central Virginia in a very rural area.

 

[Firbrd]

We live in Bedford County, southwest VA. Have a lot of coyotes and fox and have seen both walking around during the day. Sorry for your loss.

 

[PotterWatch]

That's what we have been guessing. Anyone have tips in the best way to trap/kill a fox?

 

[Shellz]

Call it in & have a shotgun ready. This worked to bring a fox in about 5 mins.

 

[PotterWatch]

Huh? What do you mean call it in?

 

[Shellz]

You can buy a small device called a hand call. Get one that sounds like a mouse or rabbit in distress. This will get a predator close to you for a good shot. You can also make a distressed mouse sound by using your mouth against the back of your hand. I called a coyote in the woods this way. Too bad he got wind of me & came up right behind & howled. Lol! Of course, just make sure its legal where you are to do this.

 

[PotterWatch]

Gotcha. Thanks!

 

[mstanton]

I believe there is an app for smart phones as well, I seem to recall my brother in law having some dying animal sounds on his phone.

 

[Shellz]

Yep, there's an app for that. I almost forgot. Not sure of the sound quality. I'd like to hear of anyone try it with any success.

 

[Trefoil]

Your best bet is to use electric fencing to keep the predators away from your chickens. Its cheap and effective, although for the first little while you will be putting it back up frequently. Killing won't work, they just move in from somewhere else, what you need is a way to live with them and electric fencing works.