Opossum - pest or predator?

[Hens_And_Chicks]

My son went to the barn the other night and found a baby opossum (not terribly small but able to squeeze through a 2 inch place between the 4"x6" post and the wall and it was in with my 3 month old chicks.

It left promptly - the chicks were highly distressed - it didn't bother them - don't know if it was after feed? I heard the chicks making a lot of noise again last night so went to the barn and found it in there again! Of course it left so I cut a 2"x4" board to close the opening.

Is an opossum a predator after my chicks or a pest distressing them looking for food?

 

[Clay In Iowa]

Opportunist... Given the chance they will take a chicken in a heart beat. They are also well know egg thieves.

 

[chseeads]

Predator in the making.

 

[Hens_And_Chicks]

Are those corn type rat bait bars something that it would feed on and die? That's what I am thinking about getting.

 

[CMV]

Poison should always be a last resort because of the chance of incidental casualties. Trapping is probably a better alternative because if you trap a cat you can always set it free, but if you poison the possum and something eats the corpse then you have killed animals you never intended to kill.

 

[Hillbilly Rooster]

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Excellent statement. I like to trap myself. And if your other animals get into it which we are all careful not to let happen it does happen and murphy's law you will hurt something you dont want to.

 

[citrusdreams]

Predator definitely, pest always. They'll attack your chickens eventually.

I wouldn't use poison, if you can use another means to eliminate a predator. Trapping would be much much better and cleaner.

If you live in an area that allows shooting it once trapped, that would be best. If not, submerging the whole cage in a garbage can full of water or a creek is the next best thing.

If you plan on releasing it, in most places it's illegal to release it anywhere but on your own property, which would defeat the whole purpose. You can also call animal control and ask them to remove it for you.

But I definitely wouldn't keep it around.

 

[Clay In Iowa]

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Sounds like something Dr Phil might be able to help you with..

 

[Hillbilly Rooster]

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Sounds like something Dr Phil might be able to help you with..

Lets see if you can use esp and tell what I am thinking... lol

 

[Hens_And_Chicks]

If I can catch the varmit, he will be dead - I have no sympathy or mercy on anything that comes after my chickens.

I feel dumb asking but what in the world would eat a dead opossum (besides a vulture)