Need Info on Using Live Traps

[Thomas423]

We want to set up live traps around our coop but we have a few questions:

First.....What is the best way to "get rid" of the predator once trapped? We live in a somewhat rural area and have guns. What about mess? Please give details of how you go about getting rid of coons, possums, foxes and such. (The neighbor's cat will be set free although DH would prefer to "get rid" of her also LOL)

Second....What about skunks??? We really don't want to trap a live skunk. Do they spray when trapped? What is best way to "get rid" of skunk?

 

[nnbreeder]

The best thing to do is to build the coop and run strong and predator resistant.

After you take a predator out of the territory others will fill the position and until it is settled on who gets the new digs there may be more then one hunting the territory till that is settled. Now if you just want to take a few out I would suggest a red filtered spotlight and med caliber rifle such as a 30-30. Just be sure to check with fish and game to make sure it is legal in your area.

We have a saying here. If you kill one, ten will come to the funeral!!

 

[Dirt Road]

This will probably get a bit long winded, but I will try to be as brief as possible.
If you get a large cardboard box, you can set the trap in that, close the lid and then set the box where you can either "plug" it in to an exhaust pipe or get a piece of metal pipe large enough to reach from exhaust on vehicle into side of box. That will take care of anything but skunks. I don't know why but exhaust fumes don't seem to bother them. Probably because their own exhaust fumes are more toxic than that of a motor vehicle. The most efficient way to end their nasty career is by drowning, which will also work for any of the others. I have a hole dug permanently which I can fill with a hose. A skunk will not spray in the trap until he sees something to spray "at". You could try laying a tarp or old piece of carpet over the trap when you set it, but that will probably deter other predators. Skunks aren't real bright. I have a board permanently affixed to the bottom of my skunk trap so they can't see down or dig too much. If you try shooting them in the trap you will wind up ruining the trap no matter how good a shot you are. If you open the trap and try to tag them as they make a break for it an amazing number of them will escape. An adult fox is nearly impossible to lure into a trap, and a racoon which has been caught in one before will often never go into another. Hope this helps a bit.

Jim

 

[ivan3]

Place the traps on the most likely raccoon (etc.) roads onto your property. Placing them close to coop/run might make them choose the less easy meal.

Place a couple of 2"x2"s under the trap. This will prevent the vermin from pulling vegetation and dirt into trap and scat will fall out of cage bottom. This saves a lot time (hosing/scraping) and will extend the life of the trap.

Place a 20lb-40lb paver on top of trap (some raccoons will tip them over to get to the bait, or will shake the trap and trigger the door).

Cheap .22 ammo works best. Just pith `em and dump `em. 5 gallon bucket to remove the remains to your favorite Turkey Vulture Feeding Station (a few miles off - burying them nearby is just an invitation for other unscrupulous diners).

We are predator heavy. If we didn't use the three havaharts, etc. Chooks would never free range at all (and, yes, some healthy raccoons follow a daytime schedule, contrary to cant).

Preemptive trapping and harvesting will not keep more from coming, but it does, indeed, decrease the overall frequency of predation.

/Ft. Chook + Active Defense results in more live chooks at this location

 

[Ridgerunner]

First.....What is the best way to "get rid" of the predator once trapped? We live in a somewhat rural area and have guns.

If you have an animal control, try that first. Not sure of your situation in a somewhat rural area but somewhat sceptical that will be an option. Some people will tell you to relocate it. In many states that is illegal, but you may have a state park or such that could work. Be aware you have to take a squirrel 7 miles from home to keep it from returning. I consider relocating just giving someone else a problem, but that is just me. If you can shoot it safely, that is a good way. A .22 ricochet will travel about 1 mile. Not sure of your situation in a somewhat rural area. You can get .22 shells loaded with shot. They would be safer. If animal control is not an option, you cannot relocate it or shoot it, the only other way I can come up with is to drown it. A rain barrel, large garbage can, or a pond. I have been called inhumane on this forum for suggesting it, but I'd rather drown a predator than take a chance on a ricochet hitting a cow, horse, or human. Under the right circumstances, I have shot them.

What about mess? Please give details of how you go about getting rid of coons, possums, foxes and such. (The neighbor's cat will be set free although DH would prefer to "get rid" of her also LOL)

When I grew up in a truly rural area, we drug them off into the woods. The wild animals took care of them. Here, I have to bury them. As a side note, a friend of mine shot a fox, cleaned the fur, and sold it to a sporting goods store to be used in tying flies. Don't know what the laws are in your state about doing that.

Second....What about skunks??? We really don't want to trap a live skunk. Do they spray when trapped? What is best way to "get rid" of skunk?

You ask a hard question. They will spray. I've heard that, if you get a cover over the trap, like a towel or tarp, they won't spray. Not sure how much I trust that. And remember, skunks are mostly fur. There is not much body under there. Aim for the head.