What Predator Could Do This??? Update: My horse did it!!!

[The Wolf Queen]

Thankfully I haven't had a chicken massacre yet but today I was looking at my juvenile condo coop and noticed that something had ripped and pushed in part of the wire at the bottom. I didn't take pics, and I somewhat fixed it but I was wondering what could do this??? Please tell me it wasn't cats. I really don't want to have to SSS the local ferals

. Also I feed them and I don't think a cat could damage the wire like that. Oh and the cats have been here for years and this is the first time something besides something trying to dig in has happened

.

Oh and here is a pic of the juvenile coop just so you get the idea. This was before the almost break in. The damage is on the bottom right side. Im very angry becuz I payed 300$ for it. Its supposed to be tuffer

 

[Brindlebtch]

Coon.

 

[Cloverleaf Farm]

That wire looks pretty heavy...coyote, racoon, dog. Looks too tough for a weasel...maybe a fox??

 

[The Wolf Queen]

I live in ABQ NM (country neighborhood) I kinda suspected Coon, Skunk, Coyote or Dog. Although I have a goat in the same field as my flock, so wouldnt the coyotes or wild dogs go after him first (yes ive seen to or 3 wild dogs and there are coyotes every year)??? He isnt in a run by the way he is lose. Oh and ive never seen a fox around here. Just my dog who happens to look like one LOL....! Hey would it work better if I were to buy a tarp and a chain link dog run, then go around it with chicken wire? I feel bad they live in such small place until their large enough not to get beat up by my adult flock... then my month old could live in the juvy cage if i covered it with extra wire

. LOL im way off subject so anyway I guess I confirmed its not the cats (phew) but I now need to know what size of trap to buy.

 

[Cloverleaf Farm]

I've never successfully trapped a coyote...they are long bodied enough that the traps you can get around here aren't big enough, they spring the door with their back feet still out and can slip out backward...coons on the other hand...are very trapable. Large trap though.

To be sure, I'd sit somewhere they wouldn't expect you to be (i.e. on a rooftop) with a gun. Othewise, a coyote will see you, and you'll never even know it's there. Which means you'll never get a shot. Get into your spot before dusk, and get comfortable.

Good luck!

 

[The Wolf Queen]

Whatever predator Id really like to shoot it but the problem is that im 13 and my mom refuses to use her pistol I quote her "animal control will take care of it". Also I live down the street from the former congress woman so she might call the cops

. Hopefully if my mom gets some guts the neighbor wont call the cops if she hears a shot. I really want whatever it is dead. I liked being predator free.

 

[G Wiz Ranch]

Is it possible one of the goats stuck its foot in it? I know my goats and they always have a foot on the non-climb fencing trying to see over the fence. They bend my fencing all of the time.

If not a goat, call your states Department of Fish and Game, ask to speak with a feild person, ask them how to handle it, if traping is leagal and who to call if you do trap something. Get their name and a direct phone number. This is what I did and I am now well informed about what you can do and who to call, and also, what kinds of predators are in our area. Beter to be proactive rather than reactive, it is possible they may even set up a trap for you.


Good luck.

 

[babyspice35]

Quote:
I would agree.. maybe someone stepped in or kicked it.

Usually critters pull the wire out, not push it in.

 

[The Wolf Queen]

HMMMM... So its possible the goat did it?...! Hey I wonder if my horses did it?!? But why would they paw at it? I know both horses and the goat like chicken food but there is some thats already on open ground they snack on. If its them im gonna feel like an idiot not to mention

 

[babyspice35]

Maybe they just backed into it or something on accident. Keep an eye out, though!!!