Woke up this morning to a barking dog and a skunk in the chicken run

[amyward2003]

I had no idea that a skunk would come into my yard! I knew they were around because I would smell them every so often. It was really strange to see the little guy in there. He was just walking around and my chickens seemed really calm. At first I thought he had killed them all since they were not making any sounds. I found the hole he dug and I have filled it in and I have added some large moss rock around the chicken run to keep him out. I'm just wondering why he didn't even put a scratch on my girls? I thought skunks would eat chickens. Also does anyone have any good suggestions on how to deter the little guy from coming back? I'd rather not kill him since he didn't kill anyone or spray the dog. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Linda in San Diego]

Ummm, how did you get him out? Before you filled the hole I assume, LOL

 

[adoptedbyachicken]

Skunks will kill chickens for sure, but they are egg eaters as well. You might have just got off lucky in that he wanted egg for breakfast that day. If you see him back I would suggest you have a problem.

 

[DDRanch]

Although I haven't had them in my coop, I started a thread a couple of days ago (Skunks living 30 feet from my coop). I used moth balls that I read would discourage skunks. The wildlife rescue center in my area told me that that coyote or fox feces work well sprinkled around. Now, my wildlife center sells those but you might not have a source nearby. I saw on line a site that sells fox "smell" to deter skunks.

Anne

 

[Bi0sC0mp]

best way to stop him from coming back some buckshot in his but and be done with it

 

[Linda in San Diego]

So, if you live in an area where gunfire is forbidden, like my city, what would you recommend?

 

[S0rcy]

Linda, REI and other sports stores carry large cat/coyote scent. This will work. It worked for a number of years for me in San Diego. If you have a man about the house, give him 30 gallons of water and lock him in the backyard, that will help too.

 

[Dewey101]

Well if u cant use firepower, use a pellet gun, dont pump it up 10 times, but enough to "Sting" him. that should do it. I just wouldnt want to smell all that stuff, I Have traped and it STINKS, the girls wont like it either, lol

 

[Miltonchix]

Quote:
a silencer!

Animal Control used to put out poisoned eggs for problem skunks.
And if you use a pellet gun..........the smell will run YOU off. Anything, other than a surprise head shot from a rifle, will make it spray.

 

[newchickmom]

I found out the hard way, skunks will kill something bigger than them!
3:30am yesterday morning I found a skunk in the back yard. He had gotten to both ducks and was trying to carry off 1 of my ducks, the other was badly injured and died later. DH tried to shoot it and missed and it got away.
The nieghbor loaned us his trap. He said to shoot it in the head in the morning because it will be sleeping and less chance of getting the full smell. There will still be some smell when shooting it even though it doesn't spray.
We put the trap out last night, but it was still empty this morning. Maybe it decided it was time to move. He has a burrow 20 ft from the chicken coop.