Two legged predators...how can I stop them?

[Handyhens]

Last week, i found the nestbox door open. Only opposable thumbs could have opened the latch. I thought it was my brother forgetting to latch the door after he closed it. Next, eggs started disappearing from the nestbox. This happened only when we were gone. This morning, i found that not only were my chickens out of the run, but the side gate, which opens into the street, was also open. I had closed my chickens in their coop last night, and only a person could have opened the gate and the run. I am so glad my chickens didnt wander into the street and get hit. How can i stop the person!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Padlocks and perhaps a camera so you know who is trespassing. Or remove the cars and act like you're gone so you can catch them in the act.

 

[CyndiD]

Do you have some kind of a wild game trail camera or a video camera, something that could be hidden? Or maybe just sit & watch w/binoculars. Just a thought!

 

[Mini Meat]

Padlocks would work, but I think I would want to know who is doing this. Who knows what other bad behavior they may be up to.
I'd go out of my way to find out.

Oh, and I'd be curios to hear who it is if you find out.

 

[nzpouter]

bear leghold trap.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Padlocks would work, but I think I would want to know who is doing this. Who knows what other bad behavior they may be up to.
I'd go out of my way to find out.

Oh, and I'd be curios to hear who it is if you find out.

I like this solution. I would also put up a video camera or web cam so you can film them. Then charge with trespassing etc.
I use the padlocks on my coop and run for this very reason. Everyone here thought I was crazy until there were tracks in the snow from the side gate to the coop and back out.

You could put up mock cameras and signs saying this property is monitored by video to try and spook them off.

 

[tarajane]

SSS............................................................

 

[21hens-incharge]

SSS............................................................

 

[Scatterknit]

What kind of latch do you have? You'd be surprised what a raccoon and a possum can open. Someone here suggested I put carabiners on my latches and that worked like a charm. No more midnight visitors!

If you really think it's human, though, I love the game camera idea - if you don't have one, borrow someone's nanny cam and hide it.

Or tape a note on the nest box that says "Look up and SMILE! I just caught you on my new security camera! Save us both the embarrassment and don't come back. I don't want to humiliate you publicly but I will if you keep this up."
Then wait to see which neighbor starts avoiding you. And every time you see them you should give them a big

!

 

[Mini Meat]

What kind of latch do you have? You'd be surprised what a raccoon and a possum can open. Someone here suggested I put carabiners on my latches and that worked like a charm. No more midnight visitors!

If you really think it's human, though, I love the game camera idea - if you don't have one, borrow someone's nanny cam and hide it.

Or tape a note on the nest box that says "Look up and SMILE! I just caught you on my new security camera! Save us both the embarrassment and don't come back. I don't want to humiliate you publicly but I will if you keep this up."
Then wait to see which neighbor starts avoiding you. And every time you see them you should give them a big

!

Ha! Love this.