Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Egg Predators

I think we may have some sort of pest problem. What makes me think that? 

This: 
You may be asking why a picture of 4 measly eggs would make me think we have pests. If it were December and we only had 4 eggs, there would be no alarm, but this time of year, my fridge should be overflowing with eggs. My dog Jada has also been waking up 2-3 times per night and running outside. At first I thought it was just an overactive bladder due to her getting older. But, combined with the decreased number of eggs, I think she may be hearing something outside, waking me up, and running after it. 

What do I do?!?!??!
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9 comments:

  1. RachelApril 28, 2010 at 1:04 PM

    I'd first make sure it's not your dog or the chickens eating them. If they are clear, it's most likely a rat. Other predators will kill your chickens, and since that's obviously not happening, my money is on a rat. Maybe start putting out traps for them because they can easily get out of control.

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  2. UnknownApril 28, 2010 at 1:09 PM

    That's so frustrating! I'm thinking something small, too because if it were a larger animal, it would be setting off your hens. I know that whenever a coyote or bobcat or other animal is even at the run, my chickens sound off like an alarm and I KNOW it. Do you have a cat that can spend the night in the coop? (My cats won't bother my hens because they're afraid of them but some cats might decide to have chicken for dinner).

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  3. UnknownApril 28, 2010 at 2:09 PM

    Ugh, a rat? Disgusting!!!

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  4. UnknownApril 28, 2010 at 2:09 PM

    Amy, we have a cat, but she is an inside cat, I don't know how well she would do outside all night long.

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  5. PhillipTApril 28, 2010 at 4:32 PM

    My Dad has used something like this before http://mdc.mo.gov/nathis/woodwork/ww10/ . Not only to catch rabbits, but they work great for o'possum's getting into the chicken run. Once caught they can be disposed of accordingly.

    Best of luck though!

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  6. Dog Trot FarmApril 28, 2010 at 5:04 PM

    There are so many possibilities, I suggest loading your BB gun.

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  7. UnknownApril 28, 2010 at 8:49 PM

    Good idea Dog Trot Farm, and Phillip, Thanks for the link.

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  8. katiegirlApril 29, 2010 at 10:18 AM

    Do your chickens lay at night? I make sure to collect eggs every day and then they lay new eggs in the early morning.

    Either way, I hope you find the culprit!

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  9. Dale JohnsonMay 3, 2010 at 7:36 AM

    How about a snake! They swallow eggs whole leaving no traces behind. See:

    http://backyardfarming.blogspot.com/2008/09/proper-snake-removal.html

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