bouldercroft Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 This morning I discovered that something has tried to get into the WIR Thankfully is was a cold night so the girls were locked up in the It definitely happened overnight as I noticed it right away I've got two 'foxwatch' installed on two of three exposed sides and coincidentally this was on the side that didn't have a foxwatch. Anyone know if this is possum? fox? raccoon? some other creature? photo by jewilk71, on Flickr photo by jewilk71, on Flickr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
House MD 221B Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 I'm afraid I couldn't tell you what did it, unless perhaps it left droppings nearby, however I don't think it's a coincidence it's on the side that didn't have a foxwatch. Short of re-enforcing it, or ordering a 3rd foxwatch, I wouldn't know what to suggest, but hopefully it won't be back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 Your fox watch will only work against foxes and dogs. Whatever it is .. it has mighty strong teeth. We don't encounter raccoons and possums over here, so I've no idea about the sort of damage they can create. Could it be a squirrel? We had one in our attic once and it left that sort of damage. How about putting a live catch trap down, and then dealing with whatever you catch in accordance with your local laws. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennym Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 I'd be surprised if a fox did that, the teeth marks and chew pattern just don't look right - but I am really just guessing, I'm no expert! I think it looks more like a rodent - maybe racoon? My OH suggested maybe a rat after the food? As mentioned above, I don't think a fox watch would help if it's a rodent. Not sure what the best solution would be, apart from repairs/reinforcements to chewable areas, and locking the coop door at night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peachachecha Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 That was one determined critter that is for sure. The teeth marks look like some sort of rodent but don't know for sure. It's just that it looks like it would have two large front teeth. Hope that ever all the damage that is done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bouldercroft Posted November 20, 2011 Author Share Posted November 20, 2011 Your fox watch will only work against foxes and dogs. the niteguard company have raccoon testimonials... http://www.niteguard.com/pages/Testimonials/#Raccoon%20Testimonials whatever it was it didn't return last night and as a temporary deterrent I rolled some more hardware cloth over the damaged area in case it did come back I'm pretty sure its a raccoon - we have them - I've seen them - just gotta keep them away from the girls Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 It looks like a different product. foxwatch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keenbean Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 Looks like a raccoon to me, we nave a huge one who can barely climb back over the fence after gorging on food! He has also chewed up the compost bin trying to get in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 I also thought squirrel or even chipmunk? Would those harm chickens? Hope you suss out the suspect soon & let us know! Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bouldercroft Posted November 20, 2011 Author Share Posted November 20, 2011 It looks like a different product. foxwatch ah yes - sorry - I was using it as a generic term - like hoover for a vacuum cleaner Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bouldercroft Posted November 20, 2011 Author Share Posted November 20, 2011 Looks like a raccoon to me, we nave a huge one who can barely climb back over the fence after gorging on food! He has also chewed up the compost bin trying to get in. I think you're right... I had one living under the porch that was so fat that its belly swung from side to side when it walked... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keenbean Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 Any more activity? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 A fox would try to dig rather than chewing the wood; must be some other critter. Squirrels wouldn't bother with hens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bouldercroft Posted November 22, 2011 Author Share Posted November 22, 2011 all quiet on the chicken coop front! I wrapped the damaged wood in wire mesh so hopefully that will slow down any new attacks it was mighty chilly this morning - a very 'pretty to look at' frosty morning - very english I thought... the girls weren't as so impressed and went back to bed after their porridge! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goosey Lucy Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 it was mighty chilly this morning - a very 'pretty to look at' frosty morning - very english I thought...the girls weren't as so impressed and went back to bed after their porridge! I wish I was a chicken... Glad to hear no more chewing activity, your racoons certainly make our polecats look puny! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bouldercroft Posted November 22, 2011 Author Share Posted November 22, 2011 I wish I was a chicken... so does my husband Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
