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

[Roy]

I've been a hunter and tracker for a long time, I recently spooked up a sleeping fox, I checked the tracks in the mud and they looked exactly like the ones pictured here. As far as baiting the chicken house, I would buy a store bought chicken and find a way to hang part of the chicken from a rope or wire very near to the chicken house, just high enough so the fox can't get to it easily. Once this gets his attention off of you, then he's all yours...

 

[TheMatador]

Quote:
Interesting idea. Suppose this means I'll be needing a varmint gun.

 

[Roy]

A .22 or .22 Magnum would work just fine for a fox...for some reason, predators want to kill our chickens. I think every chicken owner should have a gun

 

[Buster52]

Quote:
Interesting idea. Suppose this means I'll be needing a varmint gun.

Might want to check out this thread...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=207731

I decided on a Ruger 10/22 LR Carbine and I love it. Very accurate and reliable so far. And I like the 10 round magazine in case I miss the first nine time.

Keep in mind, though, the gun only works if you actually happen to see the critter. I probably have two or three a night I never have to bother with because of my dog. She did run into one she couldn't handle the other night, but she did have it cornered by the pond about 2 in the morning. I went out assist, .22 in hand, and when she was distracted by me and my flashlight, some very big bobtail or tailless cat bounded out past her and into the darkness. It was long gone before I could even raise my gun, let alone fire. We followed it for a while in the darkness but there was no way we were going to catch it.

But the point is, having that dog made a much bigger difference than having that gun.

 

[TheMatador]

So I trapped a mid sized possum last night. While this could be the critter that took the birds I do not believe this is the critter that left the tracks in the flour. I cant find any image of possum tracks that look anything like what I saw and photographed.

 

[Bizzybirdy]

You are probably right about it not being the first killer. Possums usually come to "clean" up the remains...leftovers are more to their liking as they are kinda slow and lazy at times.

 

[rhodiegal]

Don't owls leave a big pile of feathers?? I am pretty sure they pluck before they eat and a big pile of feathers is a sign of an owl. I think those are raccoon tracks you had in that picture.

 

[rufus]

I think you need to keep trapping. Cover the trap with a tarp or an old blanket. Whatever left the prints is pretty big, so make sure the trap will accomodate the critter.

I would be inclined to bait the trap with the left overs of the possum.

Considering the size of the track, this critter just might be too big to baptise. You better be preparded to dispatch it with something else. It will not be in a good mood either.

I know living in New York that not a lot of people have fire arms, but you had better find a friend that will lend you a pistol or rifle.

Good luck and don't get bit.

Rufus

 

[TheMatador]

Quote:
That's funny Rufus. The overwhelming majority of NY State is way more like Appalachia than it is like NY City. We've got plenty of guns here I assure you.

Been maintaining and moving the trap regularly. Noting yet but I wouldn't be surprised if I turn up with some big critter one of these mornings.