trapping for weasels/stoats

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trapping for weasels/stoats

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Lorrainelovesplants

Joined: 13 Oct 2006
Posts: 6521
Location: Dordogne

Posted: Mon Dec 14, 09 7:39 am Post subject: trapping for weasels/stoats

BB and any one else...........suggestions to reduce the pop of weasels stoats etc.

Yesterday afternoon collecting eggs, and found a live and vicious little crittur in the nest box of my lovely Buff Orps. It had part eaten an egg, but the birds had all been bitten around their combs also. I think the thing had upset them and perhaps they tried to see it off....alternatively (and more worryingly) it could have just fancied giant chicken.

Shot at it before it made off, but realistically, something that fast and small has no chance of getting hit. Ideas? Bearing in mind we have a lot of chickens.

Definately not a mink, but unsure as to weasel or stoat. Im erring on stoat, as my initial thought was ferret.

Tavascarow

Joined: 06 Aug 2006
Posts: 8407
Location: South Cornwall

Posted: Mon Dec 14, 09 9:23 am Post subject:

If it had a black tip to its tail it's a stoat.
Hard to mistake a stoat or weasel for a ferret.
But ferrets & polecats can be mixed up.
Best method of control is fenn traps.
I've some cheap chinese copies if you want to borrow.
Smear some egg or meat on the underside of the trigger plate.
Edited to say for rats peanut butter smeared on the underside, for some reason it's not as effective if smeared on the upperside.

Lorrainelovesplants

Joined: 13 Oct 2006
Posts: 6521
Location: Dordogne

Posted: Mon Dec 14, 09 9:44 am Post subject:
Thanks for the offer Steve. Will pm you to arrange a meeting. Will probably be in St A on Friday am. Went too fast to see the tail, but think Stoat (size). Im presuming the little **** will return....

robin wood

Joined: 07 Jan 2009
Posts: 160

Posted: Mon Dec 14, 09 6:45 pm Post subject:
Fenn trap is the thing and place in a tunnel made by leaning slates against a wall they like exploring tunnels and it means you chooks won't step on it.

Colin & Jan

Joined: 03 Mar 2006
Posts: 203
Location: Dover, Kent

Posted: Tue Dec 15, 09 6:42 pm Post subject:

A fenn trap set in a tunnel is the way forward. Make a tunnel approx 2 foot long, high and wide enough for the fenn trap to go off. I tend to make mine out of timber nailed or screwed together. The tunnel should be set against a wall, fence or adjacent to a feed hopper.

The ends should be closed by using sticks to ensure that nothing unintended enters the tunnel. You should leave about 3 inches, which will be sufficient for a stoat, weasel or squirrel to enter but should deter a full grown rabbit. Cover the tunnel with natural local materials; sticks, turf, leaves etc.

The fenn trap should set below the level of the soil in the tunnel and the edges lightly covered with fine soil. Ensure nothing impedes the jaws of the trap thereby ensuring a clean kill.

Two points to remember:

The trap should be anchored down to make sure that nothing can escape with the trap attached.

Keep your fingers well away; a fenn trap is most unforgiving.

regards
Colin

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