What chews through chicken wire?

[ivan3]

3 inches in diameter and no hair/fur around entry/exit at all? No tracks? I'd probably set the live trap inside the run so the edge of the open door is just above and nearly touching breach in fencing. I'd cover the entire trap with dark cloth (over the entire trap - unsprung door and all). Make sure whatever it is enters trap and can't just enter run and wander `'round' assessing other weaknesses.

Let us know what the vermin is (I'd guess coon, but...).

 

[L&Schickens]

No fur no tracks. The snow is all melted around the coop and it rained last night.

 

[gkeesling]

I've heard about coons chewing through chicken wire so I put 3 ft. of hardware cloth around the bottom of my run. I've had luck catching racoons and opossums in a live animal trap. I used cat food for bait. Sometimes I've let them go (at least 10 miles from home) and sometimes I'd shoot them - just depended on my mood and time available. But, if a critter killed any of my chickens I wouldn't spend the gas money taking him away to let him loose.

 

[chookchick]

Sorry to hear about this--it's been a tough month!

The pictures are very helpful! to see what we are up against.
Hope you catch that guy when he comes back. Do you have any way to lock them up at night?
P.S. Do you hatch your own chicks and sell any?

 

[L&Schickens]

Quote:
Two of my chicken houses have colapsed and so I have most of them in this big pen together. I have no way to lock them up in a good building. I already have several other chickens and chicks in the house and in one of the out buildings.
I do hatch and sell chickens and eggs.

I just got back from the store with hardeware wire and a bunch of 8 foot long ply wood. I an going to put it up (Except for where the hole is) and hope for the best. I think that should keep it out.

 

[waynesgarden]

Fishers also. They are chicken killers on steroids.

Wayne

 

[Opa]

Live traps sized for coons are very effective. Sardines are an excellent bait. Coons are also very curious; I've had good luck baiting with marshmellows.

 

[L&Schickens]

I have my ply wood up around the entire cage. I still needed 2 more pieces, but what I have will have to do for now.
I have some raw fish thawing out now to use as bait and I will put some marshmellows in too just for good measure.

I will let you know what I catch.

 

[scooter147]

If I were a betting man I would bet on the coon, but a possum, mink, weasel, fischer or any determined predator with teeth will got through chicken wire to get a plump chicken.

 

[L&Schickens]

I didn't catch a thing last night, but the trap is still set and the bait was not taken. So, I will try again tonight.