Predators in SW WA?

[hokankai]

So we are in the process of building our coop and I wanted to make sure we were accounting for all the predators in our area. I know we have coyotes, hawks, owls, raccoons, and dogs...but does anyone know of any other predators in SW WA I need to worry about? If it helps we are in Camas, WA out in the boonies...haha.

 

[huntercf]

I grew up in Eastern WA and sounds like you covered the predators, you might have some mountain lions nearby but unless you are way out in the country I wouldn't worry too much about them. I would say your biggest worry would be coyotes and racoons. Good Luck.

 

[TheReidHomestead]

Bobcats too! Oh, and eagles also.

 

[wsdareme]

Quote:
Hi neighbor! I live in Yelm -- more in the boonies than you, I fear! At least you have Greg Biffle as your claim to fame. LOL!!

I have seen weasels in our field, popping in and out of mole hills. I think I am most worried about them because they are small enough to fit in any little hole we fail to cover. I have heard cats can be a problem, too, but they would be easier to keep out than some of the others you mentioned.

 

[hokankai]

WEASELS?! Oh how fantastic...haha. How the heck do you keep a weasel out?!

 

[Yay Chicks!]

I'm not too far south of you. We have skunks as well. And there is, apparently, a gray digger in the area.

 

[Kittymomma]

You've got most of them listed, at least I can't think of any more right now. I free range during the day and have lost birds to mostly to coyotes, one to a hawk and one to the neighbors dogs. I haven't had any raccoon problems yet, but the crew is locked up tight at night when they are more likely to be out and my dogs are in. The coyotes can get very bold and my losses have been during late morning/early afternoon so if you choose to free range at all, even if it's while you're around they can still be a problem.

Electric fence is great for extra coop/run security. Raccoons are very strong but don't like getting zapped anymore then we do. Weasels are a tough one but I've only seen the occasional dead one since the dogs and cats will both go after them. I have three cats and don't worry about the 1/2 to full grown chickens with them at all. I was worried about the chicks when one of my broody girls hatched out a clutch but she taught the cats that it was a bad idea to mess with a mamma hen's babies so no losses there either.

 

[aprophet]

Quote:
with a snap trap and a weasel box

 

[justbugged]

There is always the black bear. It has been a good year for them.

I lost one of my dogs to a skunk. It was part of the trouble in that relationship.

I have Opossum in my neighborhood. Coyote and Red Tail hawks were the worst.