Ermine problem

[incubatingisfun]

The last few days an ermine (or a few ermines) has killed three of my chukars and my ducks where next in line so I moved my ducks to the chicken coop (temperarly I’ve course) and locked it up. I was just about to leave when I caught a glimpse of the ermine coming back for seconds so I went inside grabbed my shotgun then went back out and shot him hopefully that solved the problem temperarely but I’m not sure if there a whole family? Anyone got any tips for weasel proofing and deterring weasels?

 

[Baymule]

Hardware cloth 1/4"x1/4" and plug all holes

 

[mommissan]

Quote:
X2

They're dirty socks with teeth.

 

[incubatingisfun]

Alright thanks.In summer you would have to burry the cloth right since they can dig?

 

[MEchickenfarmer33]

Shoot it. Or try to trap it. They would be very hard to hit unless you used a .20 gauge or a .410 gun. They aren't just a threat to chickens because I've seen a guy get attacked by one while hunting. It scratched him up really bad with its claws.

 

[incubatingisfun]

Quote:
Yeah I got one with the 410 but I think there may be more then one

 

[mommissan]

Quote:
Bury it 6-12 inches deep, and/or use an "apron". The apron is where you bend the mesh at a right angle so that it (12+ inches) lays flat on the ground at the bottom of the outside of the fence/coop. Vegetation grows up through it -very predator proof, and less digging. That's on my to-do list this spring too.