How do I kill this thing?

[Blooie]

Um, maybe it's just me and I ain't always the brightest crayon in the box, but I think I'd have tried to find out what kind of predator I was dealing with and invested time and money into predator-proofing my set up before I got a gun.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Um, maybe it's just me and I ain't always the brightest crayon in the box, but I think I'd have tried to find out what kind of predator I was dealing with and invested time and money into predator-proofing my set up before I got a gun.

Yep - while a gun is handy to have and I am not opposed to using one to dispatch with a predator, the thing is that the gun is only effective if/when you actually catch said predator. Since OP isn't even sure what predator is doing the deed or how the predator is getting into the enclosure (can't be "secure" if a predator is making entry to take birds), the focus would be better directed at addressing those issues first - because the gun is going to do nothing to prevent future losses until that is addressed.

 

[RB Farms]

Put decon in coke they don't go more than ten feet

 

[bobbi-j]

Put decon in coke they don't go more than ten feet

Nor will any other unintended target that gets into it - you know, like a pet or a chicken or anything else. Indiscriminate poisoning is not the best answer, in my opinion.

 

[cafarmgirl]

Nor will any other unintended target that gets into it - you know, like a pet or a chicken or anything else. Indiscriminate poisoning is not the best answer, in my opinion.

Ditto, very poor way to handle a predator situation. A gun isn't a whole lot better just because of the logistics involved. How many nights can a person sit up, hoping a predator will approach with a human sitting right there and then actually be able to get off a good, not to mention safe, shot.

The very best way around predators is to make pens predator proof and set traps if there is a problem. Lot easier to dispatch a trapped predator then one that is on the move in the dark.

 

[mak1]

Its called a shot gun

 

[bobbi-j]

Shotguns are great - if your predator actually shows up with you sitting in the coop, and you can see it, and you can get a shot off safely - none of which is likely to happen in the scenario the OP has given us. Trap the predator, then use the shot gun. Much safer that way.

 

[Purpletie3]

~I hope you had success in terminating the threat to your chickens. I had to beef up my runs with 1/2 hardware cloth secured with screws and washers; after the loss of my girls this summer. Not to mention lining the base a foot below the run and the top (Beautiful hawks living in my large pines). I have a electric fence to order for a second line of defense. Best of luck to you!

 

[LoganTW]

Just to let all of you know, I moved the baby's to the adult bird pen, and then 5 of the remaining six died of unexpectedly, so I ordered some to come in December so I could keep them in the house until the spring and then they will be bigger then these ones were, and I will work on getting a more secure location, I'm going to get a permit to trap, and set traps, and then hopefully get some money for the pelts, also! Does anyone know if it's illegal to shoot a hawk in mn?

 

[Purpletie3]

I am so sorry for your loss. You may want to check with your DEC/Wildlife Department in your state to find out what the laws are regarding the hawk and trapping. Or if you know a few trappers they may just trap on your property for you and remove that hassle altogether.