What do you think is the best approach to MY predator problem?

[AHappychick]

either way I think you are going to have to trap this predator and maybe put in a fence with some hot wire. Oh and an auto pop door if you are not going to be around to close them in at dark.

Good Luck!

 

[Big Chicken Little]

I would guess fox or weasel . I would trap it either leg or wire cage. Then shoot it.

 

[greyhorsewoman]

Just an FYI, fox are nearly impossible to catch in a live trap. You will have to leg trap or be ready at dusk or dawn (when they normally come looking).

We've had fox problems off and on, and, unfortunately, disposing of the ones that have 'discovered' our critters has been the only way to control and continue free ranging.

 

[TheMatador]

I hate the idea of using a leg trap but I need this resolved. Where do you get something like that anyway? Can you walk into a "Dick's" and buy traps or are they harder to come by.

Should I start with a live trap and go to a leg trap if it doesn't work?

 

[Bizzybirdy]

I think it is a racoon(s) but whatever it is I hope you get it fast before any more birds are killed.

Let us know what it turns out to be...seems like alot of tracks for just one and pretty nervy too.

You could try a trap and see what happens.

 

[Soccer Mom]

Quote:
I have a coon in a live trap right now, waiting for my son to get home from football practice. Why drowning and not a .22?

Personally I am a wimp and a softee, but I know that relocation is a bad idea. I guess that is why have have a hubby and two boys!

You have to be careful not to obliterate your trap.

But I just use a .22 on coons in my live trap. Or rather my sons usually shoot them for me.

 

[TheMatador]

I now have some folks who know what they are talking about saying its definately a fisher. After researching all day I'm feeling pretty confident myself.

I'll have a few live traps on loan to put out this evening. With a little luck, we'll see what turns up.

 

[TheMatador]

Dang Nabbit!
Baited the live trap with sardines and shoved it under the coop with the business end right below the chicken door (scene of the last "incident" and where the tracks were the night before). Sprinkled flour again. Not so much as a single track, let alone anything in the trap this morning.

 

[ironjerry]

I keep some of my flock in a dog pen 6x10 with roof. No problems till 3 days ago. My favorite silkie gone some thing dug under cage. I set my racoon live trap up and have caught a possum and 2 racoons in last 3 days. I saw a fox or coyote 2 mornings ago but it ran when I opened back door. I dispatched all in trap as I did not want to give my problem to someone else. I move the pen to a new grassy area every two days so that explains no wire on bottom which I will fix. The trap was about $65 and worth every penny. I set it up in barn and caught rats till they were gone. Unless you make your unit 100% predator proof I would buy a trap and keep it set up. Maybe all these critters have been coming all summer and no one dug under but now the cage is closer to the house and the trap is right next to it. Hope this helps.

 

[Brindlebtch]

I agree some of the tracks had 5 toes. Think you have a fisher.