i have a skunk in my coop-what can I do?

[coldinnh]

the coop is attached to the garage and has a well insulated raised wood floor area that can be blocked off... tonight while putting the girls to bed- I found at least a skunk in the house/coop.
It was hiding under the floor of the insulated area. I think one is hiding under the feed storage bench.... the person we bought the house from did have a skunk living there before. But how do I get rid of it?

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

Set a hav-a-hart trap, covered in black plastic. Bait with tuna. The skunk will explore the "cave" looking for the tuna, & BAM, you got him. Now, this is where the plastic comes in real handy, wrap the cage so if it sprays, you won't get stinked upon.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Realize that skunks can and will eat your chickens.

 

[underground chickenman]

Pack up all your chickens and other belongings and move far, far away!!!

Just kidding. I'd call in an expert. If was any kind of animal other than one that can spray you with something really smelly and long-lasting, and I would trap it myself, but a skunk I would leave to the pros.

UGCM

 

[coldinnh]

I know that the skunk will my chickens- that's why I want it gone asap. Tomorrow will be a redoing of the coop with subflooring, hardware fabric and maybe cement.

 

[True Grit]

Quote:
birdaholic, I have to say this is one of the most elegant turns of phrase I have read recently.

 

[aprophet]

Quote:
this is a really good idea; if you decide to do it yourself a coupla things no sudden movements low volume to your voice I do not like plastic sheets they make a strange noise I am much more a heavy blanket/old soft sheet most tarps have the same crinkly sound that plastic has . the last thing when I have to deal with one I have something I can feed them and I also kina "sweet talk " them reassure them ,calm them down this does not work with all of them they can somewhat aim their spray for about 10 feet. Be careful, good luck