This means war!

[redsoxs]

It happened again!! I posted a couple days ago about losing a Black Australorp hen a week or so ago under mysterious circumstances. A search came with with zip. Well, today the bandit struck again in the mid day heat. I went out to give everyone fresh water at 1:30 today. Went out again at 4:30 and the yard seemed unsettled. My ducks waddled out of the shade as they always do when they see me but I was one short. I knew then something was up since they never separate from one another. The whole group of poultry and their lodgings are about 30 yards behind my house - beyond that is mixed grassland, trees and bushes plus a long treeline - in other words, perfect predator sneaking habitat. I put some boots and went hiking. About 60 yards down the tree line I found what was left of the pekin - mostly feathers and bones - and also what I first thought was one of Buff Orp hens - also picked pretty clean. Upon returning back to the yard I found both orps which means the unlucky chicken was a little buff cochin cockerel about 9 weeks old (the McMurray 'mystery chick'). So, I am pretty torqued. I know, I know, it is to be expected, particularly when I free range the birds as I do. I have been lucky - these are the first predation losses I've had since I started keeping birds about a year ago. But starting tomorrow I am keeping the birds locked up in their coops and runs...except for one. I have a very nervous and very noisy old ancona hen. She is going to spend the day in a live trap (she will be "trapped" inside with the door closed but safe and with food and water and in the shade). Around her and slightly buried will be a couple of leg hold traps. The traps will be at least 8 or 10 yards from the "bait" and by using loose brush I intend to make it so the coyote has only one way to approach. I don't think the little ancona would like a trapped coyote right beside her - even though it can't get at her. So, that's my plan. Please let me know of any flaws you might see. Nooooooo coyote gonna take my birds!!!

 

[eggboy]

It sounds like a good plan to me. Your hen might disagree though!

 

[redsoxs]

You're probably right. She's pretty disagreeable about everything to begin with!!

 

[zazouse]

You said they were picked clean just bones and feathers, i think you are dealing with a fox, a yote could easly eat bones and all, i know i have caught one in the act with my dogs.

Mabe you can set up a trail cam, they are great for spying on nature.

No matter what it was i wish you luck in catching it or them.

 

[redsoxs]

Hmmm...interesting point, zazouse. I had nver even thought fox. I know fox exist in Kansas although it's rare that I see one in my part of the state whereasa coyotes are thick. I was confused that the duck and chicken were only taken a little ways and not hauled off with no trace. I would have assumed a coyote to be long gone with whatever it stole. So, I guess what I have points to either to a very brazen coyote or maybe something other than a coyote? Thanks for the advice.

 

[Ridgerunner]

A bobcat is also a possibility. A lady near me saw a bobcat take a rooster about 25' from her kitchen window in the middle of the day. If a bobcat can't eat it all at one time, it will usually cache the rest to eat later. I agree a fox is most likely the culprit, but it could easily be somethng else.

Just because you don't see them does not mean they are not there.

Good luck!

 

[zazouse]

Yes a bob is possible but they can not eat a whole duck in one sitting so they bury it and come back later to dine again, i know this cause i have track down a missing duck with my dogs andf they found it burried under some pine needles, i set a trap in the same place i found the carcus and caught the cat that night.

 

[redsoxs]

Yeah, I have some Cornish X to process this week. I'm thinking if I haven't caught whever it is by then I can trap it with whatever is leftover from the butchering.

 

[zazouse]

You will most likely catch coons and possums first