predator

[weegang]

Hello,
New to the forum. We just started raising chickens and now have a predator that comes and takes the heads off the chickens and leaves the rest. What is this predator and how do we catch it. Right now in one week has killed 5 of our ducks. Please anybody has suggestions I would greatly appreciate some help!!!!!!!

Lynette
New to chicken raising

 

[bobbi-j]

Mink, weasel, rat....

 

[weegang]

How do I handle these predators. Going to be getting 40 new chicks tomorrow and don't want to lose any. Whatever this is it sure is aggressive.

 

[bobbi-j]

There are lots of theories on how to get rid of rats. I think you can look up past posts on all of these animals. I wish I could give you good suggestions on how to catch them, but have never tried to do that myself. Our dog usually takes care of that for me.

 

[weegang]

Thankyou for the advise. Going to have to read up on how to control this problem. Hope there are some good suggestions. Thanks for taking the time to give some advice.

Lynette

 

[patman75]

Hardware cloth. Keeps all predators out.

Electric fence works too.

 

[weegang]

what is this hardware cloth and where do I find it?

Lynette

 

[bobbi-j]

You can find it at any farm supply or Menard's type store. It's got little squares - mine is 1/2" squares and comes in various heights. I only have it on the bottom 2 feet of my run, the rest is 2x4 welded wire - that won't stop a mink, weasel or rat, but my coop is very secure. You also need to cover your run, and make sure any small holes in your coop are plugged. Weasels can get in through very small openings.

 

[weegang]

Thankyou I will try that

Lynette