stoat/weasel

[Johnn]

a stoat or weasel viciously took down my big light sussex miley and crueley ripped her little head off and ate it with plesure, last week. So i have started locking my hens up for the night as i think they have decided to come because there is less rabbitts about, do you think it would be safe to leave there pop hole open in spring when there is loads of rabbitts, i did want a trap but my uncle and mam say that it was just a one off, but im not thick.

 

[mrpekinduck]

NO!!! Don't leave the pop hole open! They say that weasels only take chickens when there aren't any mice. NOT TRUE! They will take whatever is easiest to catch. A weasel can fit through any hole bigger than 1" in diameter.

 

[ozark_chickies]

No it will not be safe to leave the pop hole open in the spring. You will be just playing the odds, that nothing will get in. In the spring many predators will have young to feed, and will be looking for easy meals. A sleeping chicken is easy to take. Much easier than chasing down a rabbit. When something finds a free chicken dinner it will be back.

 

[Johnn]

oh ive actually just thaught about what i posted my hen was killed through the day so it wont really make a difference :S

 

[ozark_chickies]

Don't chance it. Predators do come out in the day, but are more active at night. Good luck in what you decide to do.

 

[Johnn]

i was considering getting one of them night eye things?

 

[ivan3]

If you are certain it is a weasel, don't leave any potential entry to coop unprotected. Google: weasel box. Pretty trivial to construct (have someone with good hands set the rat trap and make sure to tie bloody bait to treadle). In a pinch a big shoebox and some duct tape will do.