Mink and Hawks Oh My!

[bgates1970]

I've lost 14 birds in the last 9 months. 8 in the last 2 weeks. I've had chickens for about 6 years. I have never had this big of a problem before.

 

[cavemanrich]

You have been around chickens for some time, so not a newbie.. Mink are quite difficult to control/catch. There are Youtube videos on how to make a weasel trap. Not sure if mink would enter such.
It is possible, but difficult and time intensive to make a coop mink proof. I think mink are nocturnal hunters, but not sure.
Hawks,,,,,,, well that are a double whammy. Few options due to legal protection. Also daytime predator. You may have to resort to getting netting to cover your COMPLETE run. Consider this deterrent kite as a possibility against hawks. One of the few things Legal to use.
https://www.jackite.com/online-store/Jackite-Bird-Kites-Windsocks-c21767908
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[itsasmallfarm]

keep in mind mink are classified as a fur-bearing animal in most places so just check your laws what you can legally do.

how ever to trap mink i just use fish, was told by a trapper/friend that minniows from the bait store for fishing work wonders. (caught my first mink during last trapping season, with in 24-hours of setting the trap. with fresh pike skin)

 

[cavemanrich]

I've lost 14 birds in the last 9 months. 8 in the last 2 weeks. I've had chickens for about 6 years. I have never had this big of a problem before.

If you have mink killing your Chickens,,,, AKA food source/supply, Just trap and S-S-S .
Here is some info about their Conservation Status Note; Least Concern