What doesn't belong?

[gritsar]

Quote:
Nah, this goes back to the time I got chased around the yard by one. He wasn't really chasing me...the dogs and cat had him confused and I had the big beam flashlight. I guess he got all turned around because he started following the beam of light, which I was holding! Anyhow, he won. I quickly called the dogs off and went it back in the house. I left him to his rustlin' up grubs.

 

[Scrambled Egg]

Awwwwww!!! You have one too and yours has babies!!! I love it!! Rooster-Red, Pelican and I all have a possum too!
They are soooo ugly-cute!!!

 

[rooster-red]

Quote:
I think that depends on a few factors, the first being if he has an easy food source other than the chicks.

If the chicks aren't put into the pen until they are 8 weeks old and they are under the protection of a rooster, I wouldn't worry too much.

If the chicks will be alone or in the pen at younger than 8 weeks, I'd relocate him just in case.

 

[TheOLDNewChick]

I hate to admit it, but possums are cute. I run them out of the chicken shed here... Have had to kill a few though. Given some of the younger ones enough beatins so they don't come back. Minks are my issue. Anyone want a mink purse? Or one mink glove... Or half of a mink slipper? There's more than one but I'm not sure I can get them all at once... Plus animal hides tend to randomly disappear around here when they're drying out.

Not much help except for the have-a-hart's and relocation sound like a good plan. Good luck.

 

[Queen of the Lilliputians]

I think they are cute too.. in an all-teeth sort of way.

To be honest our method of ground pred. control involves my dh, a few cups of coffee.. and a couple of minutes alone around the chicken coop. Seems to be working so far. But I agree with you other folks, the animals here have rights, too. I can't be mad if I didn't put my girls in lock-down and something gets to them (unless.. again.. it's the neighbor's pet out for some fun).

My other concern for you is: how did this creature get in? If he can find a hole, something after more than eggs can, too.

Aw.. Spotted, why didn't you turn the little guy into a pet?

 

[tiffanyh]

I think that depends on a few factors, the first being if he has an easy food source other than the chicks.

If the chicks aren't put into the pen until they are 8 weeks old and they are under the protection of a rooster, I wouldn't worry too much.

If the chicks will be alone or in the pen at younger than 8 weeks, I'd relocate him just in case

I did wildlife rehab for years so I have some experience with em...but not along side my chickens.

I did give him some dog food, I didnt catch him last night. He was in the same spot just now when I went out to check and I tried to grab his tail and he scurried off. He seems like a juvenile.

I will either get him relocated before my chicks head out, or keep them in longer. I do have a roo in each pen I have but one is a bantam. I assume I should be more worried about the bantams????

Thanks for the advice. i really dont mind having him around, but away from the pen would make me feel better. Like I said, I am pretty sure he has been here for over 6 months, since our summer incident, I have spotted him here and there.​

 

[PurpleChicken]

Tiffany, if you would like I could come get him. My southern friends tell
me possum stew is pertty good. (Just kidding, no one get mad).

Cute little guy. I'm with you on the killing thing. Unless it's an extreme danger
like a bobcat I'd have a hard time killing anything. Poor things get killed enough
on the roads.

Good luck with your new friends.

 

[SpottedCrow]

Aw.. Spotted, why didn't you turn the little guy into a pet?

First of all DH would've had a conniption!

And I didn't know how to take care of Hiccups correctly in the first place and I wouldn't like to have had him die on me...that would've sucked.

I know the folks at the Wildlife place and I know that they would've taken awesome care of him until he was old enough to be on his own.

Don't think I could've eaten him, PC...not my bag at all.​

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
The recipe is a centuries old secret in the South. You are assuming we would share it with a Northerner. (I wanted to say the Y word, but didn't want to get in trouble!)

 

[PurpleChicken]

Quote:
The recipe is a centuries old secret in the South. You are assuming we would share it with a Northerner. (I wanted to say the Y word, but didn't want to get in trouble!)

If a southern friend invited me to a dinner of possum stew I would be honored
to attend. I'm sorta curious. But then again, before I die I'd like to try cat.

Sorry Tiffany, not trying to hijack. Please no one respond. It just encourages
me anyways.