Do traps work?

[CatWhisperer]

I have trapped many coons and possums. Also several fox cubs-released due to extreme cuteness. Cats-neutered and adopted or released. And chickens-released. Coons and possums become vulture food.
I also use automatic doors on my predator-proof coops. Usually trapping when something is coming in fenced free range area at night and eating the feral cats food.

 

[cmom]

I have used live traps. I used some canned dog food and some old processed chicken that found it's way to the bottom of the freezer as bait. I was after a fox because it had killed my favorite bird during the middle of the day. I baited the trap for a few days and let the fox go in and get the bait then I set the trap and caught it. I have caught other predators too such as possums.

 

[Howard E]

If you are asking if it's possible to lay down a gauntlet of traps that will intercept predators taking your roosting birds from the trees......probably not.

A far and away better solution is to provide secure housing at night so nothing is able to get to them.....ever. But that assumes they will use the housing you provide them.

What size coop do you have and how many birds are you keeping in it?

And photos of the interior if you can.

 

[mowgli]

I have three coops.One is pictured above.The issue is the turkeys started roosting instead of using their house.i am actively working on having them come in at night by bribing with mealworms.There are five out of fifty five chickens that insist on roosting with them.You are exactly correct regarding secure coop.Before my Shepard passed I didn't need that and became complacent. I have learned my lesson.Thank you for your reply.

 

[Howard E]

Back to those 55 chickens.......what housing have you given those? Knowing the size and type leads to knowing if it is appropriate for that many birds, not to mention the internal configuration. All of that goes towards if they will use it or opt out if the trees suit them better. Voting with their feet so to speak.

The latter often being a fatal decision on their part, but they don't know that until it's too late.

For reference, a benchmark number for internal space is 4 square feet per bird.......and 8 to 10 inches of roost bar per bird. Do the birds have that much space?

And lastly, can you provide a location? By state or region at least. Location often dictates what is needed for housing.

 

[mowgli]

I am in Tennessee.The ones that voted with their feet. I love that expression are being enticed to go into a new house.They for some reason want to be with the turkeys but since they free roam all day I believe they resent being locked up at night.Since my first post and getting so much good advice I have started enticing them in with treats.

 

[toredano]

If that is your coop.. its as safe as a cardboard box tbh....

 

[roosterhavoc]

You absolutely can trap most of the predators before they get to your birds. It takes a decent amount of work but since you free range them during the day there’s always a chance something will get them when they’re outside of the “ft Knox coop” the idea of locking birds up totally is relatively new.
And even if you do have a secure coop at night setting a few traps to intercept a fox or raccoon is a good measure. Most people comment on things they either haven’t done or can’t do.

 

[Folly's place]

Most ground predators can be deterred by setting up electric fencing, either electrified poultry netting, or multiple strands of wire or rope. Premier1supplies has great products and information, and @Howard E and @cmom both are resources here.
Then, your coop size, ventilation, and lighting all matter, in addition to retraining the birds to come in at night.
Mary

 

[cmom]

I don't trap as a preventative. I have 8 game cameras up on different spots plus 4 dvr cameras. I see predators on the property most every night. As long as they leave my birds alone, I leave them alone. If they bother my birds then I set the traps and catch the predator. I bait the traps and let the predator take it for a few nights, when they are roaming around here, then they get used to the trap and I set it. This one was coming during the day and killed my favorite special bird. I caught it.