Raccoon -- feeling guilty

[Poison Ivy]

Couple weeks ago we had another case of a raccoon with rabies here in Marion County. I don't take a chance getting near one unless it's in my trap. My traps are set and baited 24/7 I'm always afraid of getting trapped on my back porch with one. They sometimes come in through the cat door we have cut in the screen door. So I would be really careful when dealing with a loose one.

 

[Sharisr32]

Major Misconception that coons kill out of hunger .. coons are glutton hunters almost as bad as man and the first time you see ten birds with a chunk missing and not one has been eaten you won't feel bad at all - They have an excellant ability to destroy and leave a live - After you put down a few birds to end their misery Coons won't be cute , sad or even close to a Disney moment.

 

[chickbea]

There is nothing wrong with having respect for other living creatures and understanding the place that each holds in the scheme of things.
Sometimes unpleasant deeds need to be done, but I'd rather they be done by folks with the capacity for empathy than by those who either don't care or worse, by those who actually enjoy hurting other living creatures.
Of course, you are talking to someone who wanders around parking lots after a storm saving all the worms that are drying up in the sun, so I may be considered crazy by most.

However, better to be crazy in compassion than crazy in cruelty!

Oh - I'm sure the coon was fine after his jump. They are pretty acrobatic and sturdy. Having said that, and since coons are very smart and remember where the free and easy meals are, you may want to consider increaasing your security features...

 

[Lunachick]

I though I was the only one who saved worms out of storm puddles!

 

[NS2A]

I've had two racoons get agressive towards me when I heard commotion outside at night. Some are fearless and like a previous poster said, they are gluttons and will kill just to kill. I don't buy the "just trying to make it" in the world. I've seen them raid a coop, kill a bunch of chickens and hardly eat the meat.

When I first moved to my place, 3 young ones came walking through my place near dusk. Cute little things I thought and never thought of taking them out. A month later, my neighbor lost a lot of birds to racoons. Then I felt guilty - for not taking care of the problem when I had the chance to.

 

[chickbea]

Quote:

FELLOW WORM LOVERS, UNITE!

 

[SpottedCrow]

I do that too!!!
One Good Karma Point for each worm saved.

Any predator is cute until it's in my yard going after my birds.
It's my job to keep them safe from things that are gonna eat them.

 

[silkiechicken]

Coons are witty... one year one learned how to open the latch to the chicken door.... I got rid of him but had no chickens left...

 

[paganfish]

This is an interesting thread and I have to say I am pulled from all angles. (I agree with everyone, in other words.) Recently, I had a hawk terrorizing my bantys. It would not bother my bigger girls but the bantys were fair game. (Or un-fair depends who you ask!) It was either get my b-b gun out or sit and watch the bantys in case my repeat offender decides to make an appearance.

I was told NOT shoot the hawk just hit the post, branch or leaf it is near to scare it off. The hawk would get the hint...eventually. However, it would be the ONE time I decided to just scare the hawk, I would HIT it. Mind you, any other time...I suck at shooting the b-b gun. For some reason this did not set well with me and it put my stomach in knots.

However...my bantys are used to being out in the free world...SO!

I sit with them...out there! I will take a BIG book, crossword and/or pen & paper (to write letters or journal) while I sit out there with the bantys. Is that crazy, or what? My neighbors drive by and think I'm a nut case when they drive by!

The first few times I was out there, the hawk did make a couple of visits and both times, as soon as I got up, it flew right off...whether it was me or not, I will never know but, it hasn't come back. Still, I sit out there with the bantys. That hawk's got a mean Mexican to deal with yo! un

If we had a raccoon problem it would be a different story. All my birds are securely locked up at night so nothing can get in there. (Again, knock on wood!) Good thing they are nocturnal predators.

I think I would have a problem killing a raccoon or any other predator...but when it came down to the safety of my chickens-they come first. I would have to do it though a part of me is behind...running after me - yelling...

"NOOOOOO!!!"

~c:->

PS Glad the worse I've ever had to deal with is a hawk. A little swallow tail hawk too! Cute little bugger!

 

[Matt Berry]

When dealing with racoons you have to remember they only look cute. Racoons are mean and on the east coast they are the second most common carrier of rabies.

While it may be fun to watch their antics, you really have to take into consideration the safety of your family, pets and birds.