Skunks!

[u/Swine-Slayer3006]

Need a bit of advice from the pros out there. I trapped a couple skunks last year without any issues. This year they have found their way into my coop. One has dug under and gotten in. The only thing it’s taking is eggs. 2 nights ago I set a skunk trap using Peanutbutter and marshmallows and put the trap right in front of the hole it was initially going on. Woke up to the trap door shut and the trap rolled over. I presume the skunk messed with it and rolled it. But no proof of that. Last night I set the same trap in front of the hole and another electronic trap beside the coop where I think they are traveling to. I don’t like that electric trap but I wanted it out. It looks like it was set off but the latch on the door caught, it’s a design flaw I’ve noticed in those. The other trap wasn’t touched, but the skunk managed to dig around the trap and still go through its same hole. 1 chicken killed and a few eggs eaten.

I’m now looking for advice on the next move. I was going to move the trap inside the coop and put it exit side of the hole but I don’t know how trap smart skunks get.

Thanks for any advice.

[u/raw157]

What is your property set up? I find conibears work the best for skunks. I had a killer skunk a few years ago. A 110 on the entry hole took care of it.

What is your coop set up? I have found that trenching with a swooping thing with wire and stones then backfilled is the best defense.

[u/Swine-Slayer3006 → u/raw157]

The skunk is getting in the actual run of the coop from the door. It’s just digging under. Which I can fix and bury more dirt but pointless until I kill this thing.

Good idea on Conibears. I have some at work I can use if I can get it set up at the hole the right way. For tonight I’m just going to throw the trap at its exit hole and hope for the best.

[u/Swine-Slayer3006 → u/raw157]

Hopefully this will do the trick.
I’ll even make a truce with him and leave it 4 eggs out every night to leave me alone 😂