My chickens had skunk attack

[jeanbaker]

Yesterday, my 5 chickens were killed by skunks. Skunks are becoming a serious problem in our area. I had kept my chickens in secure coops and runs with fencing. One month before there was a similar attack and I lost 3 of my chickens. Yesterday, I forgot to lock the coop's door properly. Skunks are becoming a real nuisance, it damages our yard and garden and tears lawns. I have heard of animal capture services in Mississauga, which capture and relocates the animals. If those services are active, we can save our pets from those attacks. I think not only skunks, all those wild animals who kill our pets can be relocated. It will be really nice if we are having these capturing facility all over Canada. Last month, I forgot to close the coop's door before going to a wedding party. My 3 chickens were killed. Many of my friends told me that if we use a pepper spray around coops, skunks will not attack chickens. So I used pepper sprays, But it is not applicable in every situation. Can anyone suggest be a better way to capture these skunks?

 

[cavemanrich]

Are you sure the predator was a skunk. I have them around my home as well, but they only dig in my lawn searching out grubs. I would suspect raccoons which are everywhere throughout North America. I like all creatures and never would harm any. Predator proofing is the best option. Many here do not share my views or opinions, and that is fine. We each can have our values.
WISHING YOU BEST,,, and

 

[pennyJo1960]

Hardware cloth is one of the best defense then hot wire at 8 and 14 inches

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! I'm so sorry for your losses; managing chickens includes managing predators!
In the USA it's illegal to relocate predators, except on your own property, or to private land within the county, with landowner permission. The, either the critter will return, or die miserably in a new location, or find the next nearest chickens and never go into a live trap again.
Find out what's doable where you live, and then have a plan. Here, it's best to live trap and shoot any such predator.
Mary

 

[jeanbaker]

Thank you for your replies and suggestions

 

[jeanbaker]

Are you sure the predator was a skunk. I have them around my home as well, but they only dig in my lawn searching out grubs. I would suspect raccoons which are everywhere throughout North America. I like all creatures and never would harm any. Predator proofing is the best option. Many here do not share my views or opinions, and that is fine. We each can have our values.
WISHING YOU BEST,,, and

I think so

 

[Egghead_Jr]

There was a time I thought skunk only ate the feed and would steal eggs if possible. They do indeed attack and eat chickens. The larger the skunk the more inclined and capable they are to do so.

Had to push an old male skunk out of run years ago that was fighting a 12 lbs cock. They stay low and are patient to find openings to lunge at birds throat. The birds breast was covered in blood and there is no doubt he'd have lost the battle in next five minutes if I was not home.

 

[Folly's place]

Very recently a rabid skunk was identified after biting a person in Oakland Co, Michigan. West of Detroit. Skunks are a high risk species for rabies, not good.
Mary

 

[cavemanrich]

Very recently a rabid skunk was identified after biting a person in Oakland Co, Michigan. West of Detroit. Skunks are a high risk species for rabies, not good.
Mary

Raccoons are the most common to carry rabies, I have read this. Maybe because their population is so large compared to other animals.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Raccoons are the most common to carry rabies, I have read this. Maybe because their population is so large compared to other animals.

That and the other raccoon population fact that coons live in lose colonies cheek and jowl up against maybe dozens of other coons.