Predators Coming Around - Probably Raccoons

One of my pet chickens was attacked a few days ago, pretty sure its a sign that there are raccoons in the area again. I've set out (humane) traps, so far, nothing. She's perking up now, and looks like she's gonna make it. Poor little thing.

Whatever it was reached through the fence and grabbed her, glad I was home . . . heard the commotion and got outside right away. It took off. Last time I caught a raccoon, I transported it waaaay up in the mountains on a logging road - that'll be tough right now, because of snow.

If anyone who's ordered my well dressed chicken models from The Runway Chicks (note cards - or tee shirts, etc.) is reading this, just want to say "Thank You". It's a partnership between me and my 'fashionista" business partner (she says designing the little outfits and hand sewing them is "so relaxing and fun") she's planning a "Runway Chicks of the Month" program, at least until she runs out of ideas. It was hard to guess whether they'd 'catch on', but the signs are good so far.
Anyway, the little bit of profit helps to pay the website expenses and all, so I appreciate it very much!

If you haven't had a chance to see them yet, just go on over to http://therunwaychicks.com. They really are cute!

A Visit From a Bobcat

The other night I was busy reading when I heard noises on my deck. Upon opening the door (just a crack) I saw a bobcat looking back at me! Kinda scary (to me). He took his time leaving, so obviously he wasn't afraid. Fortunately, all my animals were secure. Of course I didn't take a picture of him, but did find the one to the left (it was above a Google entry for a heavy equipment company named Bobcat) which looks just like the one on my deck.

He actually looks a lot like my indoor cat, except for the bobbed tail, and his size. They can be a predator of chickens, so better watch out. They can jump as far as 12 feet. Will keep a close eye on my rabbit, too. Guess bobcats usually don't attack humans, but if they do, it's recommended to get tested for rabies. This is the second wild animal I've had on my deck. A couple of years ago, a cougar came to visit (the snow had covered up most of my Nite guard lights). Most of the problems I've had from wildlife predators has come from owls and raccoons, but there's always a first time for something new.

To Life, Liberty, and the Independence of All

Happy 4th of July! My chickens are free now, more so than they've been in awhile. Finally captured the hungry raccoon that's been stalking and killing several of them this past month.

After living in a wilderness area for more than three years, this has been my first all-out war with predators. Thought I was living a charmed chicken-keepers life. Before moving my chickens in I armed the chicken yard with Nite Guard lights. Apparently, they did their job, as until recently I didn't lose any of my birds.

Well, there was one rooster who was snatched by an owl, but I solved that immediately by putting a couple of the lights on top of fence posts . . . duh, no more problems. Still miss the rooster.

Raccoons look cute, endearing, and so innocent, as you likely know if you have chickens, but they are smart, capable, and patient at getting what they want. I love all animals, but I was almost ready to shoot this particular one. Instead, I bought one of those HAVAHART traps, set it, then waited. And waited, and then, you know . . . waited . . . some more.

Finally, yesterday morning I went outside, and there he was . . . peering intently through the wire enclosure at me. If I hadn't seen the evidence with my own eyes, probably would have freed him immediately. Turns out, the little bandit was more attracted to dry cat food than the canned tuna I'd been using to entice him into the trap. Glad I keep my cat inside!

As soon as my chores were done, I put him in the back of my pickup and went for a long drive, past the wilderness parks, over multiple bridges, down narrow winding logging roads, and well into the dense forest. Every once in awhile, I'd glance back at him. He seemed to be playing hide'n'seek, covering one eye and peeking playfully out at me.

Eventually,I stopped, brought the trap to the ground and quickly lifted its door while backing away at almost the same instant (hey, it was my first time - was a little afraid he'd attack me). He was gone in a flash. By now, he's no doubt happily exploring his new habitat . . . forty miles away from my chickens.

Wow! What a great weight off my shoulders! And my chickens can get back to their normal routine.

If you're having problems with raccoons, first of all, you have both my sympathy and empathy. I have learned that the traps do work, so I can recommend them, but I'd understand if you prefer the more immediate method of assassination (all the experts point to just the two solutions). And, certainly, shooting the little rascal would have been a lot less expensive and time consuming.

I'm curious about how you have -or would have- handled the situation. Do you think I behaved like a coward, an extremist animal rights activist (please, no!), or did I do the right thing?

Did I mention that I enjoyed the ride, anyway? Guess that means it wasn't entirely a waste of time.