Help identify these tracks please...

[Bear Foot Farm]

the one shot I see claws, the first I see claws retracted. aren't cats the only ones that can retract claws?

Foxes can partially retract the claws.

Foxes have characteristics of both dogs and cats. Although a member of the dog family the fox has many similarities to that of the feline. hey have vertical slit eyes and partially retractable claws. Foxes are good tree climbers. They mark territory by scent with urine. A fox also plays with its prey like a cat.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/474581/interesting_facts_about_the_fox.html?cat=32

It looks too small to be an adult Coyote or Bobcat
I'd say it's a Fox​

 

[JROOSTER]

This just makes me so sad. Im sorry you have to rehome your gander I wish you could keep him.

 

[Happy Chooks]

Coyote would have very clear claw indentations, like a dog print. Fox prints are more elongated and the toe prints are farther from the pad print. This print is round and fat. I say you have a bobcat, as the print is too small for a mountain lion.

ETA: Again, I'm so sorry.

 

[The Sheriff]

Quote:
Thanks Kelly and everyone.

Today was quite the day for predator attacks. After losing Bonnie this morning, I went out the front door just in time to see a Coopers' Hawk swoop down and snatch a baby quail walking across our driveway. I came inside and sat down at my computer. A few minutes later a Cooper's Hawk flew right into my chicken yard and straight for the baby chicks. My roo did his job and luckily everyone was safe. We ran outside just in time to see the hawk fly out of the run and into a nearby tree where he watched for hours. I came inside and ordered $200.00 worth of netting shipped overnight to cover the yard. This afternoon my neighbor came out to retrieve his trash cans with his Jack Russell terriers loose as usual. My husband was in the yard and saw them break away and make a beeline for my chicken yard. He had to pelt them with rocks to get them to leave.

I left the city to live in the country so I could have more animals and they would be safe from the three pit-bulls next door. Now my chickens have to live in a fortress and I can't have my ducks or geese anymore unless I keep them confined to enclosed pens at all times. I am beginning to question if this move made any sense at all.

I am just sad and depressed.

Mary

 

[desertdarlene]

I don't blame you, I would be sad, too. I love baby quail and I watch a lot of other baby chicks running around, makes me sad to see anything happen to them even though most of them are wild. It makes me sad to even hear about something happening to babies, especially when I see the parents spending so much time incubating their eggs and protecting them.

Shame on your neighbor and his dog. Some people live in oblivion.

 

[CMV]

So sorry for your terrible day. I hope tomorrow is better for you. Sorry for your loss.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Maybe a floating "island" anchored to the center of the pond? It would deter a lot of land-based predators. Get a row boat or canoe and feed your waterfowl only on the "island." You can make them a shelter there, too.

Lots of trees and bushes for your birds to hide will help, as will a livestock guardian dog.

 

[The Sheriff]

Quote:
I was advised to make a floating island when I got the ducks last week. Hubby nixed the idea saying he didn't want anything ugly like that in his pond. My only choice is to re-home my waterfowl asap.

Mary

 

[Olive Hill]

My goodness, you did have a rough day.

That is one of the things about the country, more predators. Have you though about putting up a perimeter fence on your property? That would help with stray dogs, you can reinforce it along the bottom edge with electric to deter some of the other four legged predators and then lots of bushes and hiding places will help with aerial attacks -- as will just having more time to acclimate, your birds will become more accustomed to being alert to the danger. Guineas make good early alarms as well.

 

[Happy Chooks]

Unfortunately living in the country has 'special' circumstances. Especially with a pond, as it will attract predators for the drinking water.

As you know, I've lost my fair share of birds around here to hawks and raccoons. But you do learn how to better protect them as you go. My run is not covered and we have not lost another chicken to a hawk. Although chicks would certainly be "bait". The ducks will learn to go into their housing at night, where they are safe, especially with treats involved.

Plant some trees, bushes and other places to hide. Do the best you can to protect them, that's all you can do. I also like the floating island idea.

I know it doesn't seem like it at the moment, but you'll get through this.