First loss to predation, unsure of culprit

[aka Rachel]

Well now, no more deaths! However, have spoken to my neighbours and there are some pretty ballsy coons running around during the day, running in and out of barns.

I have no problem killing the predator but out here I could probably bait, trap and kill till I was blue in the face! But I'm thinking the same as u Lbrad7, those buggers are cruising for a reason.

My neighbours are trying to catch these coons, but so far all they've gotten is empty tuna cans and a faulty trap! I'm thinking that my birds have been safe because the dang coons are full of tuna!

Dieselgrl my chickens have a similar set up. I can protect them at night, at least.

 

[aka Rachel]

Oh and ekemily, the feces did not contain any distinguishable anything really. Was very mushy-ish.

I have been taking my dogs out to do their business all along the outside of the fence *shrug* can't hurt at least.

 

[aprophet]

Quote:
Agreed!!!

Especially coons and foxes and as for not killing what you catch because you dont know if it is the killer as ekimley stated..I have to disagree totally!!!....You will never catch the killer in the act, it is very rare that you do if ever. I personally have no problem taking care of any coon, fox, coyote, opposum or weasel that I catch around my coop. If they are not the guilty party then they will be sooner or later. They aren't prowling around your coop to "say hello" to your girls!!!! They have every intent on eating until they can't eat anymore if theY get in.

If you free range your animals or house them in an unsecure run/coop, then you know you are at a high risk for predation. There will always be animals around for you to trap and kill. They might be the culprit, they might not. If you're willing to continue to trap and kill until all your wildlife is gone, then, by all means, shoot, stab, and burn away.

I have not found this to work this way, I get rid of a couple of family units then it takes 6-9 months for more animals to move back in to where my birds are, in the 6-9 months it takes them to move back in this gives me time to reenforce my runs coops and so forth. Most Folks stop trapping after the first animal this does not solve any problems.

 

[aprophet]

alot of times when birds are dragged from under where they are it is coon fox/yotes more often then not catch the birds out in the open and carry them off.