Never Expected To Be Posting In Here...... But I Shot The Opossum.

[Bat Cave Silkies]

I use to try to "coexist" peacefully with all wildlife, until last summer---1 possum MURDERED 12 pullets. He had gotten into a predator proof pen and couldn't find his way out. I found him trapped in the pen along with the headless bodies of all my babies. He didn't even consume them!!! he just murdered them!!!
Never thought I could kill an animal; I have to admit I took great pleasure in blowing that possum away with the shotgun....

 

[ranchhand]

Thanks for the support. I still hate the thought that I killed an animal, but am getting over it pretty fast. My ears are still ringing today, can't hear in the right one worth a hoot.

I went out to bury the possum, but a vulture had already gotten there. Ick. So I've decided to take what's left way out in the woods and let nature take care of it. The ultimate recycling.

I did a quick and casual headcount, and I THINK I still have all the chickens. In a few minutes I am going to grab each one, examine and treat as needed, and then band them. The mud is really going to make this fun.

We live in a Wildlife Habitat, but I was left no option but to shoot.

Hickory, know any Sinclairs up there? If so, I'm related to them.

You know what is really scary? I fired shots, late on a Saturday night- you'd think a neighbor or a deputy would have showed up, but nope. No one. I'm not used to that at all!

 

[Chic-n-farmer]

Quote:
You aren't out of the woods yet Sally!
The last possum I shot (with a 410, so I still have my hearing) had stashed her babies nearby..... they kept showing up for days.

Then, of course, I had to rescue them....

 

[ranchhand]

Quote:
You aren't out of the woods yet Sally!
The last possum I shot (with a 410, so I still have my hearing) had stashed her babies nearby..... they kept showing up for days.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/13604_002.jpg

Then, of course, I had to rescue them....

I'm pretty sure this is a boy, but I checked carefully. Thanks for the heads-up though chic, I'll keep an eye out for any babies! No way I could NOT rehab a baby. But this was a big old dude.

 

[shelleyb1969]

You did the right thing, Sally.

You did what was necessary to protect your flock...good for you.

 

[Chic-n-farmer]

Well.... I've, uhmmm, never checked out possum anatomy.

I lost ALL of my adult chickens last week. To dogs. I've never lost a bird to anything but dogs. Thank God this dog has a responsible owner. That's a first. He's actually keeping the dog home, now.

 

[scbatz33]

But you did not shoot the deputy.......... sorry, I really really couldn't help myself

 

[HarlansHollowFarms]

How are the chickies this morning? Have you had a chance to examine them? Hope all is well, and glad to hear they are all accounted for!

*psssss.....she is just using the gun shot as an excuse for

sorry, just couldn't help myself!

 

[plumberroy]

Ranchhand I know it is hard for some to kill any animal , but you did the right thing. I have lost more chickens to possums than all other predator combined. He would have come back if you hadn't killed him. I declared JiHad on possums 20 years ago . One killed my 3 prize red pyle game bantams the first night I put them in the main coup

I kill every one I can

 

[ranchhand]

Quote:
Oh chic, I hate to hear that.

scbatz, that song has been in my head all morning, except I don't remember Clapton using so many bells..........................

Laura, I am going out now, I think I am as mentally prepared as I'm going to get.

And it wasn't the shotgun, never even thought to grab it. I went for the 6 shooter - which now needs cleaning again.

Roy, I am getting over it fast, but I think my husband is still a bit shocked. Or maybe surprised I didn't shoot my own foot!

I used to shoot a lot on a ranch in TX - haven't shot in years, but it all came right back.