![chicken predators chicken predators](https://www.dogwoodsanddandelions.com/wp-content/uploads/Common-Chicken-Predators-2-683x1024.jpg)
Finding a box trap repeatedly set off, without anything inside the trap is a good indication that the predator in question is too large to properly fit in the trap. Raccoons can be quite variable in size and many box traps sized for raccoons may be too small for a larger specimen. Additionally, it may be necessary to move the animals 10 miles away or more from your present location or they may find their way back to your operation.īe sure the box traps you use are sized properly for the animal you intend to catch. If it is your intention to release live caught animals back into the wild, realize that you may be moving a problem from your area to someone else’s back yard. Box traps tend to be most effective for raccoons, opossum and skunks but do not work consistently well for foxes. Trapping can be done with live catch box type traps, leg hold steel traps, or kill traps. They do have to be maintained by keeping debris off of the fence wire which will cause it to ground out, and fail to properly charging the fence.Īs a last resort, predator control relies on trapping as a way of reducing predator numbers.
#Chicken predators free#
The nice thing about solar chargers is that they are essentially cost free to operate and they can be placed in areas far away from an electric service.
#Chicken predators install#
If you install an electric fence, remember that the fence needs to be properly grounded if it is going to work dependably. One possible deterrent is a solar electric fence charger that can be purchased for around $100. This is important even if the tops of your pens are covered with netting or wire as some predators may attempt to chew their way into the pens. If you suspect a climbing predator (raccoon, opossum) you may want to utilize an electric fence wire to discourage climbing. When possible, construct your pens so that an apron of wire can be buried coming out from around the base, of the pen to prevent predators from digging into the pen from the outside. Door openings need to be fit together tightly. Snakes and weasels can squeeze through some very tight openings, often as small as ½ to ¾ of an inch in size and the selection of the proper sized wire is essential to keep them out. When constructing a pen to exclude predators, make sure you leave no openings large enough for them to gain entrance. Depending on if you are raising poultry in and urban or rural environment, you may also be dealing with different poultry predators. It is not unheard of for certain predators to attack during the daylight hours, but most species do their hunting at night. You also need to realize that free range poultry are going to be more susceptible to predators than those that are penned. The best way to avoid problems with poultry predators is to properly construct your pens.
![chicken predators chicken predators](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j6fw9ZwUcDE/T-jpKiOs0hI/AAAAAAAAAFk/XAu6qMAK32U/s1600/keeping-predators-away-from-your-birds-p2.jpg)
Other species like foxes, raccoons, skunks and opossum are quite common in most rural or suburban settings. Some species, like weasels and mink are less common in some areas of our region but can cause a lot of damage in short order if you are ever unfortunate enough to come across them.
![chicken predators chicken predators](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZTEE2Xipg5o/hqdefault.jpg)
I’ve gathered some photos and some brief descriptions of the species that most commonly cause problems for folks here in the East. Who are the culprits that we are dealing with? How can we identify the specific poultry predators? What can we do to prevent problems with predation? These are all questions that are important to consider when we want to control predators of our poultry yards. Dealing with poultry predators can be a frustrating experience.