Ugh, I had an unwanted visitor in my coop last night. I go out every night with my dog to close the window in my small coop, and check on everyone in my large coop. I should have known something was up when my dog was pacing the fence line. I opened the door and with a headlamp that could use a battery change, I saw something on the floor of the coop, under the roosts next to a cockerel bedded down on the floor. As I stepped in, my brain registered what I was seeing...........a skunk.
I instantly backed out, and went inside to bring the dogs in. (I didn't really want to have to bathe my shepherd when she caught it) It came in through the pop door, and got trapped inside when the door closed. I go back outside to my husband calling after me on how I'm going to get it out. I replied that I have no idea, but it can't stay there..... picturing myself getting sprayed before this was over. I opened the door again, and I don't see anything. I couldn't tell if the cockerel was alive or not. A quick scan to the right inside the door revealed the skunk in the corner. I closed it part way and used a flashlight to trigger the door to open, hoping it would come out on it's own. After a few minutes, it was clear this wasn't going to happen. I opened the door and stepped in again, circling wide to the left, and saw it in my next box right next to my broody Welsummer. I came out and started towards me, so I ran and jumped out of the coop.
By this time, it was back under the roosts, near where I was just standing, looking and sniffing up the wall. Then..........it laid down. Crap.I cautiously stepped in the coop, and curved over to the next boxes. Checked on my broody, and both of her babies were tucked in with her. I shined the flashlight and my headlamp on the skunk. I clapped, hollered, banged the lowest roost.........nothing I did bothered it. It just looked at me like I wasn't threatening in the least. And it still laid there, all comfy like.
So now I got brave. I looked around, and saw my tool that I use to clean out the nest boxes. I picked it up, and tossed it at the skunk. For once, my aim was good, and it hit the side of the skunk. It instantly stood up, poised to spray. I froze and did nothing, now thinking I'm screwed. Luckily for me, it decided not to spray, and wandered towards the door, but didn't go out.
So for now....Human 1, Skunk 0. I'm sure it will be back tonight now that it knows there is food there. There is no breach in the fencing or netting, so I think it got in by climbing the lodge poles and squeezing between the spaces in the fence. (I didn't want to chase it too closely)
I've really had my fill of critters. I think it's time to be critterless for a while. I'm overdue for a break!!!!!!!
I'm glad you didn't get sprayed! I hope you can get rid of him.
My dog got skunked badly one time on his last evening trip outside - I did not realize it until he ran past me into the house. I sent him out again, but too late - the house reeked for days.
Been there.
