Skunk eating my eggs

[tinasoliz]

The last two nights I have caught a skunk eating my eggs out of the nesting boxes. This skunk has been up to it for a long time now I just thought I kept having a chicken break them. But nope. How to I stop it?

 

[TeeMom]

Are these eggs that a broody hen is sitting on? If not, then just make sure they are all gathered before before nightfall. My bigger concern would be my chickens, assuming that if the skunk has access to nestboxes then the chickens are cooped in the same area? A skunk will prey upon chickens, especially if the egg freebies,are removed. You definitely need some predator proofing...

 

[bobbi-j]

Are these eggs that a broody hen is sitting on? If not, then just make sure they are all gathered before before nightfall. My bigger concern would be my chickens, assuming that if the skunk has access to nestboxes then the chickens are cooped in the same area? A skunk will prey upon chickens, especially if the egg freebies,are removed. You definitely need some predator proofing...

Agreed. How is that skunk getting into your coop?

 

[tinasoliz]

I can't figure that out. I do not have any visable holes. No its not eggs that are being sat on. But I don't get home until late some nights. I have an auto matic door that opens and closes but it was 10pm last night when I got home and door was closed. I'm a single mom. My husband passed away a year and a half ago. No one else to collect but eggs but me. Im going to check all around out side again today real good for holes.

 

[bobbi-j]

I'm sorry for your loss. How old are the kids? Old enough to collect eggs after school? The only way you're going to get it to stop is to figure out how it's getting in and prevent that, and/or see if someone can pick your eggs earlier in the evening. If you post some pictures of your setup, maybe we could help you find out how the skunk is getting in.
ETA - Do your chickens free range or do they have an attached run? If they free range, it may just be going in through the pop door before it closes. Is it in the coop when you check at night? How does it get out?

 

[tinasoliz]

Thanks. I have one daughter she is five. I still cannot find the hole. I bought some repellent stuff that I'm going to try. It says to sprinkle on the ground so I'm going to put it around outside of pin. We will see.

 

[0wen]

Urban or rural setting? Generally, predators who eat more lead eat less chicken (or eggs). I recommend killing it. Often, Animal Control agents will lend you a live trap - which makes dispatching the animal easier once it's confined.

 

[bobbi-j]

Thanks. I have one daughter she is five. I still cannot find the hole. I bought some repellent stuff that I'm going to try. It says to sprinkle on the ground so I'm going to put it around outside of pin. We will see.

If it doesn't, we could maybe help you out if you post pics of your set up. Are the chickens confined in a run all day?

 

[Talithahorse]

You might also see if you can adjust the automatic door. Sometimes you can adjust them so they close just a bit earlier. The other option is to disable the pop door and leave your girls completely inside for a couple of days to see if he is sliding in before the door closes. If you can figure out where he is coming in you might be able to deter him with some electric fencing around the exterior for a week or two until he moves on. Unfortunately as long as he gets food, he is likely to continue to visit you. (and they will eat just about anything include chicks, chickens, eggs and food. ()

 

[tinasoliz]

Thanks. No they are not on a run. I built them a fenced in portion of my property. Its 50ft by 100ft. I've been sure to be home the last few nights to collect. I have blocked any possible hole and I will check my auto door timer to make sure it is closing shortly after they all go in.