Is your dog's unusual barking a secret code for something mysterious?

[Isabel]

I'll start with a grrrrr!

 

Late last night (the girls were long tucked up safely), the sensor light went on at the garage and a little head poked out from behind the car - at first I thought a fox, then DH thought a cat. Small head, no real snout, very pointy ears. The body followed, very cat-like with short legs (maybe 6 inches long max??), then the tail - long and bushy so definitely not a cat. Does anyone have any ideas? I've looked at mink photos but am not sure and I think the legs were definitely way too short for a fox - it's belly wasn't far off the ground. It crossed the driveway and I put the rest of the outside lights on so was able to see it go along the hedge but it was too dark to get a good view. Seemed to have a limp but that's neither here nor there. Didn't run with speed but it wasn't frightened. It was heading in the direction of the hens but I went round the elec fence this morning and there was no sign of any disturbance. However, it's made me really nervous - I've been letting the girls f/r during the day but they're confined to quarters now. If it's a mink will the fence keep it out? Also, our dog has been away the last few days - will she be any sort of deterrent when she comes back?

 

I'm not surprised - we live in the country and foxes are common around here but it's the first time I've seen something in our garden. We're also only about 300-400 yards from the river bank. I am browned off though.

 

Any advice appreciated.

 

Thanks

 

Isabel

[Patricia W]

I'm afraid it sounds like a mink. Block any holes in the eglu/cube/coop and if the run is not on slabs batten it down. I think they can get in very very small spaces.

 

And get the dog back!

 

Tricia

[Chucky Mama]

Any idea of colour? Could it have been a stoat or weasel?

[Isabel]

No idea of colour I'm afraid exept that it was dark rather than white/light grey IYKWIM - it was just too dark to see much other than its outline. Have just had a look at stoat/weasel pics and they're contenders too. However, was talking to farmer down the road this morning and he thinks def a mink - he hasn't seen any recently but they're around this area.

 

Okay, so what do I need to do to protect my girls? There aren't any holds in run area but if he wants to get through badly enough, the electric fence is probably the weakest spot. I couldn't confine them to the run all day as it's just too small for 3 grown hens - 9' x 3' or thereabouts. They're inside 50m of elec fencing. No more free-ranging unless I'm in the garden though - they won't like that!

 

Thanks!

[Egluntyne]

Sounds like a stoat.

 

I'd make sure that the back of the Eglu, where the poo tray slides in and out is made inaccessible.

[The Dogmother]

Yup, roll a couple of large rocks against it. Bear in mind that they can get through a very small gap.

[Isabel]

Whatever it is, it's a pain! Either way, henhouse is secure - touch wood. Thanks for the replies!

 

Isabel