Fisher problems

[CherylA1]

Have lost five hens in the last week, three as recently as 48 hours ago. Last night found a fisher climbing in and out of the pen we have for our girls. It tree itself in a huge old pine tree by the pen. When you put a light up in the tree you could see the reflection of it's eyes looking back at you. My husband took pot shots at it with a .BB gun, and it seemed to scare it enough so the girls were safe for the rest of the night. My question is how in the heck do I protect my girls from this ruthless killer. We are going out to get chicken wire to replace the netting we had over the pen. Also thought about motion lights.....hoping that they might startle the fisher. I really hate to harm any animal but the girls are our pets. We don't get rid of them when they stop producing eggs. It just breaks my heart that they are being harmed, killed and are so frightened. Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

 

[paws4440]

There is electric fence you could buy or you could get one of those live traps and put meat in it and take it away from your house

 

[Chickenshoe]

.22 shoot the cat....period. it's found a new food source, yours....only way to get rid of it for good is shoot it

 

[keesmom]

You need a secure coop to lock them in at night. Even if you got rid of this Fisher another could move in, or a different predator will climb the fence. Chicken wire is only good at keeping chickens in, it won't keep anything out.

 

[blucoondawg]

I personally would trap it with a conibear trap in a box set but it is illegal here unless you have a tag for a fisher during the trapping season. In my area the numbers are low compared to what they were after the dnr had the bright idea of introducing them here, I probably wouldn't have to worry about another one coming in but if it did it would get the same treatment. I haven't seen one in a long time not even crossing a road or anything.

 

[CherylA1]

Thanks everyone for your input regarding my Fisher problem. We since have purchased ammo for a more efficient weapon if we find the need to use it.Also have baited a live bait trap. Two nights and there has not been any sign of this predator. I'm hoping it has decided it doesn't like getting shot at. For five years we have used a special netting for the top of our pen that has worked out just great. Unfortunately due to the horrible winter we had with tons of snow and ice, the barrier was compromised. We are considering putting a electric wire on the top of the pen to dissuade any foes. Again can't tell you how much I appreciated all of the input from all of you. CherylA1

 

[blucoondawg]

I have the 2" square netting from amazon and it has held up very well to heavy snow loads for 2 years now.