Ringtails?

[ColtHandorf]

I've never even seen one in person I don't think, but I was curious if anyone has ever had an issue with them preying on their flocks before?

 

[azygous]

In the 25 years I've lived in this remote place, I've seen a ringtail once. No, they are so reclusive that I doubt you'd have a problem with them.

They prefer small prey, mice, small birds, etc, when they go for meat, and eat lots of insects, berries, and nuts. They wouldn't likely waste time on chickens.

 

[PioneerChicks]

Do you mean racoons?

 

[50-45-1]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/ringtail-cat.1223536/

i think you are talking about the ringtail cat that is in the above thread. They have camera video of a ringtail killing one of there chickens. (not very clear video on my computer)
i definitely would protect my birds if i had them in my area.

 

[ColtHandorf]

Do you mean racoons?

No, I’d have said raccoon if I meant raccoon. Lol Ringtails are related to them though.

I didn’t imagine they’d go after adult large fowl birds, but I imagine bantams and young birds are fair game.

 

[AltonaAcres]

We've never had ring tails, but raccoons or "trash-pandas" are the worst. lol

 

[ChickenCanoe]

No, I’d have said raccoon if I meant raccoon. Lol Ringtails are related to them though.

I didn’t imagine they’d go after adult large fowl birds, but I imagine bantams and young birds are fair game.

I think size of predator and size of prey are insignificant comparisons. Bobcat kill deer. Tiny mink and least weasels will kill a whole flock of chickens.

 

[cmom]

I learned something new so I had to look them up. Don't have them here I'm glad to say. Looks like where they are, the coops and runs/pens have to be very secure. Research says they are related to coons.

 

[ColtHandorf]

So it seems they are a fairly shy predator that not many have encountered.

 

[cmom]

I looked up their range.