Are they predators...?
I know foxes, hawks, dogs, cats, opossum, but skunks? I've been seeing SO many roadkill skunks down my road.
I just have no idea if they are a threat or just smelly....
yes they will kill chickens, usually durning the night ..they will eat eggs & baby chicks....they also can carry rabies, from what i have read ,chickens can not get rabies,not possitive on this & do not want to pass on wrong info...BUT..other pets can get rabies from skunks. they will dig ground looking for grubs & frogs..baby song birds. any food garbage, cat & dog food... i love seeing skunks and actually think they are cute, But i have had to shoot my share of them also...once a preditor finds food on your property it will keep returning for more free meals, until you have no more to feed them.
skunks (pole cats) are predators. they make traps just for them with pvc around the outside so they don't get spooked and spray you. you can find them on ebay. they will eat eggs, chicks and full grown chickens. they are just like any other predator and should be treated as such.