Lost 5 Hens....

[Robert G]

I've lost 5 hens in the last two weeks and i just wanted to see if the predator that i think is doing it is correct? What I noticed on each kill it dismembers the head and a wing then feeds on the body. I'm thinking it's a possum. The last one was killed in the coop and it was closed. The only opening is a triangle shape hole on the peak top. It is big enough for for something to get in, but for the last 2 years never had issues till now. This pest has made a habit so going to seal up those triangles and get a trap. I'm guessing possums climb? Since that's the only way it could get in. There are no holes in the ground or the fence is not damaged. So is it a possum?

 

[Trish1974]

Possum or raccoon.

 

[Robert G]

Possum or raccoon.

Seen possums in the area but not a raccoon. Thinking of leaving one of the triangle holes open and set the trap behind it.

 

[50-45-1]

According to the internet you do have raccoons and also something called a ring tail. I would suspect either of these along with your opossum.
A trail cam would come in handy to know exactly whaT is coming around your coop, especially at night. Thay are not as expensive as they used to be. Good luck catching your preditor.

 

[Robert G]

Well I sealed the two openings and planning on setting a trap. What should I use as bait? Eggs or ??

 

[50-45-1]

If you still had a dead chicken i would use a piece of that.
Tuna, raw chicken or bloody meat or fish.
What type of trap are you using?
Good luck!

 

[Robert G]

Got the trap at tractor supply. it's a live catch trap but its not going to live once i catch it. It's set for tonight, and hopefully it will be caught by the morning.

 

[NewBoots]

Watching with great interest.

 

[Robert G]

Well today, the trap was empty but was moved out of place. Thinking the trap was too small so I'm using the bigger one. On a positive note, didn't have any losses. I'll see what I catch tomorrow.

 

[Robert G]

Well I caught something last night, but it wasn't what I wanted. It was a stray cat. Luckily found someone that wanted it and lives on the other side of town so it won't come back and set off my trap again. Let's see what I catch tonight.