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Post by schall53 on Jun 5, 2021 17:09:37 GMT -5
I had four barn cats with kittens, 17 in all. Well this morning when I went out to feed them there were pieces of kittens everywhere. Three heads , a couple tails and feet, all together 9 kittens are gone! Cute little guys just a month old. Set out 3 live traps, something is going to die!! I am sure raccoon are the culprits.
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Post by esshup on Jun 5, 2021 18:19:29 GMT -5
I wouldn't be using live traps, but that's just me. I see your point though, you don't want to thin the kitty ranks amy more. I've caught one in a DP coon trap even.
On the other hand, they DO make good live bait for coyotes!!
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Post by featherduster on Jun 5, 2021 19:57:00 GMT -5
Be careful.
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Post by deadeer on Jun 5, 2021 20:43:38 GMT -5
Good luck!!! Get them rascals!
My buddy just whacked a duck killing coon for the neighbor. They said it killed 11 in a couple nights. First sit at dark and he got it right away.
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Post by featherduster on Jun 6, 2021 7:05:57 GMT -5
I believe the coons have kits right now and and have been on the prowl gathering much food.
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Post by greyhair on Jun 6, 2021 8:21:47 GMT -5
For traps, marshmallows are the best. Then a .22 to the brain.
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Post by Russ Koon on Jun 6, 2021 9:48:53 GMT -5
We had a barn owl that would do a similar number on our barn cat's kittens. Our first suspect was a neighbor dog, but we could never find any evidence, and further inquiries revealed that barn owls tend to do a fairly neat job of removing the heads and most of the skin of their victims before feeding the carcass to their babies.
Major difference in your case would be that the owl pretty much did the skinning and removal of heads and usually feet and much of the skin in one tidy little area, and usually only one kitten per night was taken. Timing was similar, with owlets in the nest.
Presence of barn owl doesn't leave a lot of evidence, as they are generally pretty quiet and don't build very noticeable nests. Maybe a trail cam or two would catch one in the act.
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Post by featherduster on Jun 6, 2021 10:07:34 GMT -5
I once had a problem with a Great Horned owl killing my ducks on a small pond, was given some advise by a now retired trapper/biologist. I no longer have that problem.  |
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Post by parrothead on Jun 6, 2021 11:56:49 GMT -5
I caught a big female outside the chicken coop last night. I only use cat food this time of year. Ants love the marshmellows, I will use them in winter.
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Post by featherduster on Jun 6, 2021 12:11:21 GMT -5
HEY SCHALL53: You could try calling the Saint Joseph County Humane Society and tell them about this problem, after all your on first name bases with them.
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Post by buckbuster13 on Jun 6, 2021 12:14:44 GMT -5
For traps, marshmallows are the best. Then a .22 to the brain. I caught our largest female out door cat using marshmallows this year 😀 never had that happen before. Needless to say she wasn’t very happy when I let her out of the live trap. |
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Post by schall53 on Jun 6, 2021 12:42:56 GMT -5
I caught a big female last night using marshmallows for bait. She was dry, but by the looks of her she has some young ones out there.
I am sure after my conversation s with the humane society they would fall all over themselves to help me. Lol
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Post by steiny on Jun 6, 2021 13:11:06 GMT -5
Here it is the anniversary of D-Day and I'm back at war with the racoons also. Caught two a couple weeks ago, now have another one or more back destroying the bird feeders and landscaping.
I use the dog proof traps baited with just about anything and they work well, then take them to meet their maker. Worst part is, they almost always excavate a nasty hole in the yard while caught in the trap that has to be patched up.
Coons are out of control these days, since you can't hardly sell a pelt and nobody is hunting them anymore.
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Post by deadeer on Jun 6, 2021 13:52:44 GMT -5
Here it is the anniversary of D-Day and I'm back at war with the racoons also. Caught two a couple weeks ago, now have another one or more back destroying the bird feeders and landscaping. I use the dog proof traps baited with just about anything and they work well, then take them to meet their maker. Worst part is, they almost always excavate a nasty hole in the yard while caught in the trap that has to be patched up. Coons are out of control these days, since you can't hardly sell a pelt and nobody is hunting them anymore. Oh well, scavengers gotta eat too! |
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Post by freedomhunter on Jun 6, 2021 15:06:06 GMT -5
I saw a baby today by one of my drive pipes. Cute little guy and I haven't had much trouble with them yet. I am sure I will. I think my tomcat keeps them away from the house for now.
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Post by steiny on Jun 7, 2021 11:23:09 GMT -5
The battle continues.
Relocated another one this morning.
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Post by parrothead on Jun 7, 2021 11:32:22 GMT -5
Had another male for me too. No relocating for me though. Got to protect the chickens.
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Post by esshup on Jun 7, 2021 11:43:36 GMT -5
The battle continues. Relocated another one this morning. How far away did you take it? |
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Post by whitetaildave24 on Jun 7, 2021 12:29:12 GMT -5
No more chickens at the house so no more coon problems for us. It was a battle while we had them though. Best was nine in one week.
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Post by featherduster on Jun 7, 2021 13:01:11 GMT -5
The battle continues. Relocated another one this morning. Was it relocated to heaven? |
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