mnwickens Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 This morning I opened the coop to let the chickens into their run and noticed most of the chickens looking very nervous in one corner. I looked in the corner nearest the door and saw one dead chicken, Ginger, and then behind her something moved - a ferret. It was curled up in the nesting box near dead Ginger and looked quite comfortable. I got the other chickens out and then locked the ferret inside the coop. I'm a pastor and this was ten minutes before services started so I had to go. The chickens were safely isolated from the ferret though. Afterwards I managed to get it to leave, though for a while it would not get out. So, does anyone know of anything to be aware of as I clean the coop out? Should I just get the effected areas, poop/blood etc, or do I need to clean the whole thing out? How can I deter it from coming back? We found a few broken eggs recently and just figured one of the hens might be getting into them as we've heard of that happening, now I think we've had a ferret visiting this week. I focused on fox-proofing the coop and now it looks like ferrets will be a problem. On a happier note, I hatched 4 chicks yesterday in my home-made incubator. I bought 6 from a supplier on Ebay and 6 from a local supplier. 3 from the local supplier hatched but only one from the online purchase. It was my first attempt and I learned lessons along the way! Anyway, any thoughts on ferrets would be appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mnwickens Posted May 1, 2011 Author Share Posted May 1, 2011 Or would it more likely be a mink? I live in the south of England, West Berkshire. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 As it seemed unpeturbed by you and it didnt kill all the chickens I'd guess that it was an escaped pet ferret Mink are usually a bit more ruthless Its worth asking around to see if anyone has lost a ferret, you could try live trapping it and see if a local sanctuary will take it in or if it is a mink have it culled Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mnwickens Posted May 1, 2011 Author Share Posted May 1, 2011 After looking at some pictures online I am almost certain now that it was a mink. Our nearest neighbour is about 1/2 mile away, then it's another 1/2 mile or so before the next houses, so I don't think it's an escaped pet. I don't think it killed all the chickens because it may have been very young. From what I've read while they have white head colouring they are still only months old. If you've a weak stomach turn away now... the chicken it got had it's head complete missing. I was surprised, beak and all was gone. So, being young it maybe didn't go for the rest or maybe it hadn't been in there long. Anyway, I've made some additions to the coop to make sure it can't get back in. Not sure what to do about it getting to the eggs during the day because they free range and the coop is left open, but I'll see what happens. Thanks for your help. I think culling might be my only option eventually. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 It may have been a polecat ferret that is either lost or has been released by a bored owner. They can unfortunately wiggle their way through very small gaps and if it is a released domesticated pet it will be much bolder and less fearful of people (mink are pretty bold too). I would be inclined to try and trap it. A humane rat trap will do the trick. You can then take it to a sanctuary if it is a polecat ferret or get someone to despatch it for you if it is a mink. I believe that some have had problems with mink getting in via the poo tray and have had to wire that area up to stop them getting in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mnwickens Posted May 2, 2011 Author Share Posted May 2, 2011 I went from thinking it was a ferret, to being convinced it was mink and now I'm thinking polecats, and a young one at that. I have worked on the coop to stop anything getting in again and will look into getting some humane traps just in case. I've read that once they've found a food source they will return and sometimes share the supply with others. I'm going to keep the coop and run closed until later in the day so we can get to the eggs before anything else can and then just let them free range from mid-morning/lunch time. Thanks for the comments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
