What is stealing my scratch?

[ewhulbert]

I have a problem with some pest stealing my chicken's food. Two days ago I noticed a spot where something tried to dig its way into my coop (thats not going to happen, after I lost my flock to a pregnant racoon I buried wire 12-18 inches deep around the run and have some wire laying 12 inches out on the ground). It also tilted over my girl's bowl from the outside. This morning I see their bowl was tilted over again and they also knocked over my big container with scratch in it. It is a kitty litter bucket with a snapped tight top and about 10 lbs of scratch in it. The whole area is covered in pine needles, so I couldnt find any tracks that I could make out. The bucket was opened, but it isnt clear if it opened it on the ground, or the force of the drop from a bench opened it. My wife and I arent always diligent enough in making sure it is snapped very tightly.

Does anyone have any ideas what it is? Or what to do about it? I live in Gainesville, FL, and there are definitely possums and raccoons around. We even saw a bobcat stalking the girls once, but I really dont think it was trying to get in my scratch.

 

[gritsar]

Coon would be my guess. They can stick their paws thru tiny little openings.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I agree. Most likely a raccoon.

 

[ewhulbert]

Thats what I thought. I had a problem with them over the summer, I guess it is time to get the trap out again.

 

[chookchick]

I take it this is all out in the run? Can you put all the food away in the coop at night? I get really nervous about anything that might attract raccoons. I now keep the feeder in the coop, because the rats get in--they are impossible to keep out of the run.

 

[eggchel]

I would guess raccoons.

 

[#1California Chick]

I too vote for crafty coons. Can you sprinkle some flour around your coop and run? The prints will help you determine what you are dealing with!!

Good Luck!

Cindy

 

[chickenchaser99]

i would guise oppsum they love to eat small food from yards our cat food thing for cat feed its small metal and has a flap we have a bubble soap proping it of so the waker cats get some food we get lots of oppsums eating it

 

[Blueggchick]

Well I just caught 2 adult raccoons feasting on my pullets start and grow. Hubby came out and shot the 12 gage up into the air to scare them off. Hopefully it will make them think twice before coming back. I lost a young roo this past week and now I know what must of got him. Grrrrrrr!

 

[silkiechicken]

Quote:
They'll be back. Best build up fort knox or rid of the coons before they get more.

To the op, coons can open 38 gallon metal trash cans with tight fitting lids and use their hands to open simple latches and doors....