Tracks, what animal?

[NHMountainMan]

We have both in the area, I will have a look and see if I can count toes.

We do as well. We've got snow cover, and this is my first year with chickens. I saw tracks completely encircle the electric netting I use. Then saw the tracks go right through netting at the location where I enter and then turn around and leave from the same spot.We were fortunate not to lose any as the dog and I just happened to come out to bring fresh water at the time - the dog caught a glimpse, or scent, and ran it off - hoping that scare made him think twice about returning.

 

[BarredRockMom]

We do as well. We've got snow cover, and this is my first year with chickens. I saw tracks completely encircle the electric netting I use. Then saw the tracks go right through netting at the location where I enter and then turn around and leave from the same spot.We were fortunate not to lose any as the dog and I just happened to come out to bring fresh water at the time - the dog caught a glimpse, or scent, and ran it off - hoping that scare made him think twice about returning.

1)SET TRAP (away from chickens, somewhere close to the wooded area at edge of your property. Follow their track!)
2) BAIT, 3) SHOOT 4) REPEAT

 

[Ted Brown]

We do as well. ... Then saw the tracks go right through netting at the location where I enter and then turn around and leave from the same spot. ... the dog caught a glimpse, or scent, and ran it off - hoping that scare made him think twice about returning.

I would add to what @BarredRockMom says: Do whatever you can to secure the area where the animal went through even if it means a daily chore. The animal will be back and more cautious/elusive than ever.

 

[cmom]

I would put a camera up and see what you get. It appears whatever it is, is using the trail so you should be able to get pictures of it. From my experience most critters have routines and routes they use quite often.

 

[NHMountainMan]

1)SET TRAP (away from chickens, somewhere close to the wooded area at edge of your property. Follow their track!)
2) BAIT, 3) SHOOT 4) REPEAT

Trapping in NH is regulated, and I'd need to take a class before I can get a license.. Instead, I changed the fence around, and NOT KIDDING... slid the post under my dog to get his "mark" in it fore i set them in place. I'm also leaving the flock in the run for a few days - just got some fresh snow so we'll see what tracks show up!

 

[NHMountainMan]

I would put a camera up and see what you get. It appears whatever it is, is using the trail so you should be able to get pictures of it. From my experience most critters have routines and routes they use quite often.

Thanks for the idea... just set up the camera to get a better view of the chicken area.

 

[Willowspirit]

I looked up mink tracks in snow and got an image like these and it was rabbit, so... If you can see hands clearly I’d agree with mink, but I think bunny really.

 

[cmom]

Thanks for the idea... just set up the camera to get a better view of the chicken area.

I have some cameras set up towards my coops. Here we have mostly coyotes.

 

[BarredRockMom]

Any way to put some electric fencing around?
And if you want some scent marking, dog is good. Not to sound crass but perhaps you should have at it, too?

Wow, regulated, huh? Need a class & a license? To protect your chickens. Huh. All animals or just those used for fur trade??

 

[EggWalrus]

I looked up mink tracks in snow and got an image like these and it was rabbit, so... If you can see hands clearly I’d agree with mink, but I think bunny really.

Mink Tracks in snow
https://duckduckgo.com/?q=mink+tracks+in+snow&t=fpas&iax=images&ia=images
Best bet would be put up a game camera and know for certain what enemy your up against.