Unknown predator, possible fox or bobcat, any suggestions?

[LulaBell]

we (did) free range. In the last few weeks we have had attacks on our flock, taking multiple birds at a time and only leaving behind feathers. we have not see or heard this predator, once when it happened we were right in the house! It is always in the daylight. We are thinking a family of fox or bobcats. Anyone have suggestions on how to tell what I'm dealing with? Best ways to trap? I have a box trap for a raccoon that I have been setting but no dice.

 

[Wezdin]

This could definitely be a fox, were your chickens free ranging when the were taken? if not i would suggest sureing up your coops defenses.

 

[famerzellman]

we (did) free range. In the last few weeks we have had attacks on our flock, taking multiple birds at a time and only leaving behind feathers. we have not see or heard this predator, once when it happened we were right in the house! It is always in the daylight. We are thinking a family of fox or bobcats. Anyone have suggestions on how to tell what I'm dealing with? Best ways to trap? I have a box trap for a raccoon that I have been setting but no dice.

I’m going to say definitely a Fox!

 

[LulaBell]

This could definitely be a fox, were your chickens free ranging when the were taken? if not i would suggest sureing up your coops defenses.

Yes they were free ranging, right in our backyard. Granted we have 12 acres (a mix of hay field, woods, and our yard) But they were literally in our yard, not 20' from our house!

I’m going to say definitely a Fox!

Any idea how to trap one?? They are smart, and I have zero experience trapping one

 

[Wezdin]

I have never trapped a fox but it is possible, if the fox is frequenting your coop might i recommend hunting from the back porch? depending on where you are it is legal if they are causing property damage.

 

[famerzellman]

Yes they were free ranging, right in our backyard. Granted we have 12 acres (a mix of hay field, woods, and our yard) But they were literally in our yard, not 20' from our house!



Any idea how to trap one?? They are smart, and I have zero experience trapping one

Yes! Keep the chickens in the coop for a day place a havaheart trap with a can of fishy cat food! But be aware you might catch a skunk if set at night! I would set the trap the same time you you let the chickens out in the morning. And see if the little shit gets caught cause it will keep coming back until you have nothing left.

 

[archeryrob]

Trapping is hard, they are likely to smell you on the trap and avoid it. Trapper boil their traps to eliminate their smell and wear rubber gloves.

Use a game camera to identify it. Maybe set outside at a distance, downwind behind a blind. Or inside behind an open window. Identify the villain and then ventilate with a .223

 

[Wezdin]

here is link to the PA rules, it is legal here, not sure where you are.https://www.pgc.pa.gov/Wildlife/Pages/NuisanceWildlife.aspx

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Don't discount hawks with hungry mouths to feed. They are quick and stealthy and usually leave the rest of the flock the least upset, like nothing ever happened.

If you catch a skunk.. they are chicken predators to.. not usually daytime though.

Sorry for your loss.

here is link to the PA rules, it is legal here, not sure where you are

Indicated next to their avatar.. southeast Ohio... the reason I always suggest peep add their general location to their profile so we can make our best suggestions at a glance.

Still takes practice to get used to looking for it though.

 

[KathieMc]

Also, don't forget that a fox can actually climb a fence/chicken wire...so make sure your coop/run doesn't have any where for a fox to entire and gain access to your hens should she make it over.