Predators Abound!

[nova022]

Today I found several sets of racoon tracks, have a hawk circling my run and had a great blue heron sitting on the edge of the koi pond waiting for breakfast. Guess I will break out the trap, pray for the crows to deal with the hawk and grab my camera for some picks of the heron. This was all before 7:15 AM when the sun was barely up.

 

[zazouse]

It don't take long for the word to get around that there is a new place to eat in town.

 

[sourland]

Everything is looking for an easy meal. Guess it's our job to make sure that it's not easy or that the price is too high.

 

[nova022]

Everything is looking for an easy meal. Guess it's our job to make sure that it's not easy or that the price is too high.

The coop is pretty secure and the run is completely enclosed in 1/2" hardware cloth on top, sides and bottom. I also have an area fenced off and covered with netting where they can forage when we are outside, but I have learned to never take anything for granted. My main worry is the raccoons. I am hoping the traps do the trick.

 

[nova022]

It don't take long for the word to get around that there is a new place to eat in town.

Yes, it didn't take long to figure out there would be no free ranging.

 

[Mattemma]

Corn is expensive,but it sure brought the crows and bluejays for me.Put a cob on a feeder in the open,and you bring some food for the hawk via a squirrel!

 

[nova022]

Corn is expensive,but it sure brought the crows and bluejays for me.Put a cob on a feeder in the open,and you bring some food for the hawk via a squirrel!

That is an excellent idea. My husband is at war with the squirrels because they are getting in our attic to nest. He wouuld be happy if the hawks carried a few away..

 

[nova022]

I have not had luck with the live trap. The raccoons are able to get the bait, but not get trapped. My dog was even able to go in the trap and get the bait with out being trapped. I am thinking of trying the Dukes Dog Proof traps. I read about them in another thread and they sound like they would work. Has anyone used them?

 

[ivan3]

nova022 : I am thinking of trying the Dukes Dog Proof traps. I read about them in another thread and they sound like they would work. Has anyone used them?

Yep, they work. Three caveats: they require a bit of `ooomph' to set trigger lock, must use good quality chain to an immovable `anchor' and anyone looking to `catch and release' shouldn't bother with these (unless one has good med. insurance).

 

[nova022]

Yep, they work. Three caveats: they require a bit of `ooomph' to set trigger lock, must use good quality chain to an immovable `anchor' and anyone looking to `catch and release' shouldn't bother with these (unless one has good med. insurance).

Thanks for the reply. I am ording these right away. With three grown sons and a husband I should have enough oomph, ; ) , though someone did mention there is a tool to use to set them. Do you recommend that? I will also get a strong chain such as you show in your picture.