Trapping a weasel. Graphic.

[houndit]

This is not really a chicken problem. We had something wiggle through a tiny and I mean tiny gap in a rabbit hutch. Where it killed and ate 2 baby rabbits and ripped the legs off of some others. I had no idea what it could be so we set a live trap. The next morning both live traps were sprung and the bait was gone. We are almost certain that it got out of the trap. I had a whole rabbit that had died in one and I am sure it could not have pulled it out from the outside. That is what makes me think it was a weasel. I can not believe that it could fit through a hole so small. Any input on how to catch this animal would be greatly appreciated.


Ok. Thanks. I will see what we can do. I hate to use steel traps because of our other animals. We boarded up our live trap and got a coon but we are resetting it and we will see if we can get it.

 

[Emzyyy]

Sorry for your losses

. Could you get some hardware cloth over all of it?

 

[PeepsInc]

Wire a small piece bait to the peddle of a small #1 or #2 foot trap. Set a log or a board on an incline up against the hutches.(about 3 foot long) Then nail the trap to middle of the board. You'll catch it by the head

 

[gypsy2621]

before setting leg or foot traps find out what the law says about their use. they are not legal to use in some/most states.
Wire the bait to the bottom inside of the spring trap so it can not be reached in and taken with out the animal actually getting into the trap fully. that way you will know exactly what you are dealing with.

 

[Mahonri]

Good luck and hope you are able to dispatch the culprit.

 

[mmwb]

Footholds are legal in most states (CA, WA, Co, etc... I believe are exceptions). However, weasels (called ermine after they turn white in the late fall) are often classified as a furbearer with specific seasons and necessitating a trapping license when they are in season. Many state laws have contingencies for dealing with animals--out of season--that are causing livestock or land damage.

For weasel, a bloody bait is often best. Be careful about wiring the bait to the pan of a trap. A weasel is not trap shy and you don't need to disguise the trap, but exposed baits attract birds, including your chickens. Most wild birds are restricted from being trapped or killed (varies from state to state). An exposed bait may attract any number of other birds. In the western states we have to deal with crows, camp robbers, ravens, and magpies. Further east there are blue jays and no doubt other predatory birds. While most mammals are not harmed by foothold traps of the appropriate size (contrary to PETA's propaganda crap), birds are very light boned and will most often suffer a broken leg and would need to be killed.