We are battling something that likes duck. We have lost all but 5 of our ducks. The only hole we have found is a little over an inch wide. We think with the water being up that it is possibly a mink! We had 26 ducks & are now down to 5. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR! Hopefully they won't get into the chickens because I have a customer that buys 10 dozen a week! GRRRRRRRRR! Any ideas how to get rid of a mink???? or whatever it is??
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
If the hole is only an inch in size it is possibly a weasel. I did a few rounds with them. . . you need to build a special trap to catch them. It works like a charm.
Buy a rat trap. . yup it needs to be that strong. You build a box that the inside is 4inches longer than the trap and only enough space for you to be able place and remove the trap. Say no more that a 1/4" on any side of the trap. . . This is sooooo important to do!
The box is going to be divided into 2 sections/chambers. A small hole in the front of the box to let the critter in( like a bird house would have) and a lid that needs to be on securely until you open it up.( we placed a large rock on top of ours) Use a piece of wood with a small hole like the opening and attach it as the wall between the two chambers/sections( the trap will be in the first section and the bait in the one behind the trap). Now be sure the box is tall enough for the bail to operate without hitting the top. In the back section place a fresh piece of meat with it's "juices" ( weasels are attracted to the smell of blood. . . I have used fish guts with great success) Now close the lid and place near the opening where they are getting in. Check the trap daily. . . you will be surprised at how many you will catch if there is a family of them.
Now one other note. . . weasels live up to their names. . . that is why you need to have that trap placed just right so they "have to" cross over it. . .otherwise they are able to sneak right by it and get the bait and your animals all in one night. The one we finally trapped was so cleaver we had to build a platform the was ever so gently placed on top of the tripping mechanism since he could tip-toe through and get his free meal! Wishing you much success in catching this varmet!!
Karla, are you finding the dead ducks in the pen? Can't you just cover the hole up if that's where you think it's getting in there? Did this all happen in one night?
We have closed all of the holes. It happened over about 4-5 nights. We have been putting our cat in there & so far that seems to keep it out. We are even considering getting a dog.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Oh I am so sorry - that is heartbreaking.... Not all dogs will solve the problem in fact some dogs are the worst around poultry so check carefully...
I will stake out some traps first and maybe call in the division of wild life... They are not always helpful but if you go on record as having a problem then you have done your duty and then kill the rotten critter... Just don't tell anyone or you might get fined or some dumb thing like that....
I hope you get your monster and that the rest of your sweet ones are safe.
Grace Gerber Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Blasted critters! 21 ducks gone!
Posted - Jul 19 2010 : 12:03:22 PM
. . . you need to build a special trap to catch them. It works like a charm.
Wishing you much success in catching this varmet!!