This morning we were stunned to find that the fox (undoubtedly the same one that perpetrated the Massacre) had tried to break into the coop again!
And he/she was REALLY working hard!
The main hole dug by the front door was five feet long.
After inspecting the paw prints in the dirt piles and the scratches on the stucco, we're pretty sure the varmint is a fox.
If anyone else has experience and wants to share an opinion, feel free to comment.
Soon we'll have a wifi camera on the coop, so we'll have definitive proof.
Three other, smaller holes were attempted on the back side, but there was no chance at all of breaking in by digging. Presidio Gallena flipped that fox the bird.
Looking forward to seeing the game camera photos. I think we're going to see a badger on there and then we can clear the name of Mr. Fox. :) lol
ReplyDeleteChris Miller
Our180.com - One Family's Journey To Finding True Happiness
Whatever this beast is, the head should be mounted over the door of Presidio Gallena as a warning to all who think this coop is easy.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bear-tracker.com/coyote.html Looks like a coyote track to me. Really glad you got the chickens fortified so well!
ReplyDeleteCoyote is definitely on the list of likely suspects. Several weeks ago one was loitering around our entrance in broad daylight.
DeleteBadgers have five toes in their footprints, and this critter only has four. Check this out: http://www.ambios.net/images/badger_footprints.jpg
ReplyDeleteCan you live trap it and release over near the park?
ReplyDeleteWe would love to do that, but from what we've learned on the web, trapping foxes is a very tricky business. And we don't know where the den is....
DeleteVery impressive attempt to break into your chicken coop. I give the varmint an A for effort...or should that be an E?
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to see that YOUR efforts held up and the varmint was not able to get inside.
PS, It does look like Marilynn and I will be down soon, hopefully next week. Expect a delivery of world famous Elgin Hot Sausage soon. :)
Looking forward to seeing you both! Hope the nice weather holds out for your trip. Thanks for thinking of us!
DeleteOh man I didn't see your print pic before! Yep - canine for sure. By the size, coyote is my guess. If you want, we can trap him next time i'm in town. I have a ton of leg holds and cage traps. Most canines won't go into cages although I have caught several gray fox in them. We could set a couple of leg holds but i'd be afraid of your dogs getting into them.
ReplyDeleteLet me know... I could bring some stuff down next time. Even if we just cage set for the fox and relocate him. Can't do that legally into the park without a permit, but you could take them elsewhere one at a time or even hang them on the living room wall if you want. I'll be really unpopular for that one I'm sure. :)
Chris Miller
Our180.com - One Family's Journey To Finding True Happiness
Bring it on! Looking forward to seeing you guys soon!
DeleteCoyotes are, in a word, Brazen. That is one varmint that carries a chip on it's shoulder and for good reason. Just think Coyote Ugly and nothing more need be said.
ReplyDeleteOn our property SW of San Antonio we have had attempts by coyotes and foxes. Around our chicken tractor we've installed a solar powered electric fence. Sits about 6 inches off the ground. When they go to try and dig they get a little surprise. It's kept them away so far. Have actually seen them attempt entry at dawn.
ReplyDelete