predator trapping advice

[Chicken Chickita]

We've lost 4 hens in the past 4 months to a predator. Our hens live in a coop, raised 3 feet off the ground. Once, we found a place that the fencing had been chewed through and we repaired it. I can't figure out how they are getting in but suspect that something was able to pry the door open some and squeeze in. But, this has gone on too long and I think I'm set on trapping whatever it is.I'm going to TSC today to pick up a raccoon trap. We'll relocate anything we catch.

Does anyone have any advcie on what to use as bait inside the trap or any other trapping advice?

Thanks so much!!

 

[chicken-whisperer]

Are the victims missing? I use chicken as a bait but please don't release the vermin nearer than 100 miles of other chickens

 

[Two Creeks Farm]

We use a marshmallow for coons 99% of the time. Coons really dig the strawberry ones haha!

 

[Chicken Chickita]

Nope, the chicken last night was mostly missing. It had been attacked inside the coop. The other chickens were missing. I followed a trail of feathers into the woods. I was able to locate parts of the body once but not the other two times. We are surrounded by woods. My husband has reinforced the coop and the run. I still want to trap it though.

 

[EeyoreD]

We'll relocate anything we catch.

If at all possible, please don't. Coons are smart so you only end up relocating coons that are too smart to be caught in live traps and become someone else's problem. They do learn what to stay away from. And that makes them harder for others to deal with to protect their stock.

 

[Chicken Chickita]

Thanks!!

 

[Chicken Chickita]

What should we do then?

 

[Mattemma]

Catch and kill.Keep the traps set 24/7.

 

[darin367]

use marshmellows, chicken, tuna fish, cat food, etc.... i use all these, i'll use one for a week or so and then swap it for another... i'm surrounded by woods also... i get coons, possum, weasels...... don't relocate, shoot them, if thats not an option,, fill a garbage can with water drop the trap in, come back in 5 minutes....... don't buy into the " those vermin are just tryin to eat, or have a right" montra...... they will continue killing your birds, nothing worse than waking up and all your birds are dead,, i've had 20 killed in 1 night..... set your trap, keep it set.. it's a war,,,, go win it!!!!

 

[NovaAman]

Ensure to stake your trap well. A big coon can get out if it is not weighted down. Get a 22. Shoot, shovel, and shut up. Reset the trap a few feet away from original trap point after each trapping. Coons are strong. If its prying piece of your coop to get in, consider lining/masking the bottom edges of your coop with hardware cloth. I lost all my silkies in one nite to one of these suckers...