How to get rid of petting in the house? How to get rid of weasel in a chicken coop Which animal eats weasel and ferret

Ferret (ferret) - a predatory mammal, belongs to the family Kunya, the genus of the ferret and affection ( Mustela), subgenus Putorius.

Ferret - description, characteristic, structure. What does a ferret look like?

The body of ferrets, like that of most marten, is elongated, flexible and very squat, due to disproportionately short legs. The limbs of a ferret are very strong and muscular, thanks to which the animals can easily jump and swim perfectly. Toes end with long strong claws, which allows ferrets to cleverly climb trees and dig deep holes.

The average body length of adult males is about 50 cm, female ferrets are always smaller and grow up to 40 cm in length. The weight of a ferret, depending on the species, is from 300 g to 2 kg.

The ferret has a long flexible neck, a neat head of an oval shape and an elongated, slightly blunted muzzle towards the tip of the nose. The ferrets are especially proud of their fluffy tail, growing up to 13-18 cm in length.

Ferret fur usually consists of a thick, soft underfur and outer hair, which is usually lighter at the base and darker at the end. After autumn molting, the ferret's hair acquires a characteristic luster and becomes especially beautiful.

The color of the fur depends on the species and can vary from a light sand color to almost black or completely white in albino ferrets.

All trochees (except for species with a white color) have a peculiar pattern on their faces, resembling a black mask.

Near the tail of the ferret there are special glands that secrete a specific secret, which has a sharp, pungent odor and is used by animals to scare away enemies. Of all the senses, the ferret has a well-developed sense of smell; it is the animals that rely on him when hunting.

In total, the ferret has 28-30 teeth: 12-14 incisors, 12 pseudo-rooted teeth, premolars, as well as a pair of canines on each jaw.

The ferret has a life expectancy of about 3-4 years in the wild, and ferrets live in captivity for up to 5-7 years.

Enemies ferret in nature

The main enemies of ferrets in wildlife - these are larger predators: often young ferrets become prey of feathered predators - and. In some areas, the ferret is a valuable commercial animal, so animals are mercilessly killed for a warm, soft and beautiful fur.

Ferret species, photos and names

The classification of ferrets includes 3 main types:

  1. he   light ferretor   white ferret, also known as steppe, light colouredor   white ferret(Mustela eversmanni)

large ferret growing up to 52-56 cm in length with a body weight of up to 2 kg. The tail length of adults is 18 cm. The light ferret has a long, but sparse outer hair of a brownish color, so a dense undercoat shines through the fur - an extra hair coat of a lighter tone. The limbs, tail or its tip are dark in color, and the muzzle is covered with a mask. The steppe ferret eats quite varied. In the warm season, pikas and invertebrates become its prey. To a lesser extent, amphibians and birds are food. In winter, the diet narrows to hamsters and voles, which can be caught in the steppe. Since the excavation of rodent holes becomes impossible, the animals are content with carrion and food waste, which they find near people's dwellings, and in the spring they pick up snail fish in river floods. If there is a sufficient amount of food in settlements, animals are avoided. Females of the steppe ferret are extremely fertile and bring about 7-10 and even up to 18 cubs. In European territory, ferrets live in the Czech Republic, in the east of Austria, in the south of Slovakia, in Ukraine, Hungary, Romania, in the north of Bulgaria, in Moldova, Poland. In addition, ferrets are found in Central and Central Asia, in the steppes, forest-steppes and semi-deserts of Russia from its European part to Far Eastas well as the eastern part of China.

    • The only subspecies of the light ferret is amur steppe ferret (Mustela eversmanni amurensis)

The body length of the animal reaches 56 cm, the length of the tail is 18 cm, the weight is not more than 2 kg. The color of the fur is dominated by white and yellowish tones. The abdomen of the animal is light, the tip of the tail and legs are black, a mask-like pattern is located on the muzzle. The main part of the subspecies population is concentrated in the northeast of China; in Russia, it is found in the steppe landscapes of the Middle Amur.

  1. Forest ferrethe common ferretor   black ferretalso called ordinary, darkor black ferret(Mustela putorius)

The forest ferret is inferior in size to the steppe relative: the body length is about 36-48 cm, weight is from 400 g to 1.5 kg, and females are 1.5 times smaller than males. The tail of the male ferret has a length of 15 to 17 cm, for females - 8.5-17 cm. Unlike the steppe animal, the color of the black ferret does not have a sharp contrast between the color of the legs and body. The main color of mature individuals is black-brown, and the legs, tail, throat, and underparts are almost black. The muzzle is decorated with a characteristic mask. Pure white or red ferrets are also common in the population. The basis of the diet of the forest ferret is mice and voles, additional food are snakes, frogs, birds and their eggs. Forest ferrets tear holes and eat their offspring. Individuals living near settlements will not miss the opportunity to eat rabbits and poultry. Unlike the prolific steppe ferret, the female black ferret brings only 4-6 puppies. Forest ferrets live throughout Eurasia, especially in Western Europe and almost the entire European territory of Russia. The animal prefers groves and forest stands, waiting for prey on the edges of the forests, in connection with which it received the name of the "forest edge" predator. Together with the weasels, the black ferret was introduced to New Zealand  to destroy rodents, where it has successfully taken root and has become a threat to the local island fauna.

    • Ferret (domestic ferret, African ferret),also known as   furo ( Mustela putorius furo)

domesticated form of a black ferret. Scientists and livestock breeders use the name “furo” exclusively to refer to albino ferrets, although a domestic ferret can be a pet of any one-color color (white, black, brown) or a combined type of color. The body length of an adult domestic ferret is about 51 cm with a body weight of 700 g to 2 kg. The length of the tail reaches about 13 cm. Furo is bred both in pure form and crossbreeding with natural species. A hybrid of furo and a forest ferret was called by the Poles “thujofret”, which in Russian sounds like “choreret”.

As a result of crossing a forest ferret with a ferret, it was bred golden ferret, the first Russian breed of ferrets.

This is a large animal with a thick silky fur, which is distinguished by a black outer hair with an orange undercoat. Golden ferret females reach a length of 39 cm, males are larger - their body length is 46 cm.

  1. American ferrethe   black-footed ferret(Mustela nigripes)

a rare species of North American predators that is protected by the United States and listed in the Red Book as endangered. The body length of the American ferret does not exceed 31-41 cm, and body weight is from 650 g to 1 kg. The fluffy tail of the animal grows to a length of 11-15 cm. The hairline is white at the base and dark at the tips, which gives the impression of a general yellow-brown color. The tip of the tail and limbs of the ferret are black, there is also a distinctive black mask on the face. American ferrets live in the central United States, on the prairies east of the Rockies. Ferrets feed on mice, voles, ground squirrels, but the survival of the black-footed ferret is completely dependent on the population of meadow dogs, which are its main source of nutrition. One colony of dogs occupies 50 hectares of prairies and can feed only one adult ferret, while one family of ferrets requires about 250 rodents per year to survive. In the 80s of the last century, the remaining representatives of the species of American ferrets were caught for artificial breeding and released into the wild in some states of the USA and Mexico in order to revive the population.

Honorik is an artificially produced hybrid of a ferret (bred by crossing steppe and forest ferrets) and European mink. Honorics rarely appear in the wild in areas where the ranges of these 3 species intersect. Honorics are superior in size to parents and equally inherit their traits. Outwardly, the animals resemble a mink, and their black, shiny outer hair with a dense brown undercoat is very similar to sable fur. From ferrets, the animals got large ears with a light border on the edges. Honoriki, like minks, swim well, and from the trochies they have taken up the ability to dig holes. Their own character trait is the rare aggressiveness and inability to get along with people.

Where do ferrets live?

Ferrets live in European countries (including England), in the USA, in Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, China, countries of Central and Central Asia, and in northwestern Africa. At one time, forest ferrets were brought to New Zealand to fight rats and mice, as a result, predators spread there. The habitat of ferrets is the steppes, semi-deserts, sparse forests and even settlements. The animals avoid the open terrain and the dense taiga. Ferrets lead sedentary image life, are strongly attached to their habitat and are typical nocturnal predators. Ferrets very rarely dig holes and more often occupy the dwellings of other animals, for example, foxes or, can settle in the voids of old trees, in a haystack, drovnitsa or in a pile of fallen trees.

What do ferrets eat?

Ferrets do not have a cecum, and due to the low synthesis of amylase, their body does not absorb plant food well. The basis of the ration of animals consists of various species of small rodents: field voles, mice, hamsters, water rats. In spring, animals devastate bird nests, dig up hare holes, large species attack muskrats and ground squirrels. An insignificant part of the diet consists of large species of insects, frogs, fish, and snakes. For winter animals prepare in advance, storing excess food in their dwelling.

The main method of hunting ferrets is to watch the victim at the entrance to the shelter. In other cases, you have to run and catch for prey. Often hunger forces ferrets to consume carrion and food waste, and ravage poultry houses and rabbit houses. And the poor fame of ferrets as arrogant and unprincipled predators is very exaggerated due to the ignorance of the people themselves. Most “sins” are hanged on animals in vain and ascribe to animals crimes committed by martens, weasels and foxes.

Ferret Reproduction

The breeding season of ferrets depends on the habitat and lasts from February to the end of summer. In steppe ferrets, rutting occurs in early spring. In forest ferrets, the race begins in April-May, sometimes in the second half of June. The puberty of the animal occurs at the age of 10-12 months, and special mating rituals among animals are not observed. Mating ferrets is violent and aggressive: the male ferret grabs the female by the scruff, despite her resistance. Therefore, after the completion of the process, females often remain with a battered withers, on which traces of male teeth are noticeable.

Pregnancy of a female ferret lasts an average of 1.5 months, and in the brood there are 4 to 18 cubs. The weight of newborn ferrets is about 5-10 g, cubs are born blind and helpless, but they grow and develop quickly enough. Breastfeeding lasts about 2-2.5 months, and 4-week-old babies the mother begins to feed with meat.

At the age of 7-8 weeks, young ferrets are already able to hunt, although they continue to feed on mother's milk. In the event of any danger, the mother selflessly defends her offspring.

Until six months, young ferrets hunt with the female, gaining useful skills, and then move on to independent life.

Ferret colors with photos

According to the Russian classification, there are 3 color options for ferrets:

  • Pearl color  (it includes silver and sable colors). The general color of the ferret's fur is light cream, may have an ashy or silver hue. Ost has a black or brown color, the ends of the hair are cream or gray.
  • Golden color. The general color of ferrets is yellowish or closer to orange. Ost has a black color, the ends of the hair are red.
  • Pastel color. The overall color is light cream. The remaining hair is light brown, may have a smoky hue. The ends of the hair are light gray or cream.

According to the American classification, 8 colors and 4 colors of ferrets are distinguished from the AFA (American Ferret Association), however this classification is also not complete and includes far from all the color diversity of the fur of these animals. The color of a ferret is customary to mean the color of the outer hair and the underfoot, as well as the color of the eyes and nose. Coloring implies a pattern that is formed when a combination of different colors. Another characteristic of ferret fur is marks, spots, which, depending on the location or combination, are divided into several variations.

AFA distinguishes the following ferret stains:

  • albino  (albino, red-eyed white)

Fur with white underfur (sometimes with light cream splashes) and awn of the same shade. The eyes of the ferret are always red, the nose is only pink;

  • black

The outer hair is black. The underfill is white or golden. Ferrets of this color have black eyes and the same nose color (a mottled nose is allowed);

  • sable (sable)

It has a warm brown color; the undercoat is white, cream or a light golden hue. Eyes can be brown or almost black, nose is brown or light brown, individuals with spotted noses and with a T-shaped pattern are found;

  • black sable (black sable)

The fur is distinguished by a black-brown or dark ash outer hair with a pronounced glossy shine and an underfill of white to cream tones. The eyes of the ferret are dark, almost black, the nose is black and brown, may be spotty;

  • champagne

The outer hair is colored brown or light brown, the shade of the underfill varies from white to cream, without interspersed yellowness. Cherry or dark cherry eyes, nose pink, beige or pink with a T-shaped stripe of brown color;

  • chocolate

An ost color is “milk chocolate”, a downy white or with a slight yellowish tinge. The ferret's eyes are dark cherry or brown, the nose can be light beige, pink, pink with dark stripes in the form of the letter T, sometimes there are individuals with a brick-colored nose;

  • cinnamon (cinnamon)

The outer hair is painted in a rich shade of red-brown color, the underfur is golden, sometimes pure white. The eyes of a ferret are light or dark brown, the nose is pink or not completely stained.

  • dark-eyed white

Aost and underfoot range from pure white to a light cream color. The ferret's eyes can be dark cherry or dark brown, the nose of the animal is always pink.

According to AFA, ferrets are classified not only by color, but also by color, which is determined by the color of the nose, the type of mask on the face of the animal, and the concentration of color on the legs, tail and trunk. There are 4 types of colors:

  • siamese (siamese),
  • roan
  • solid
  • standard

In addition, it is customary to take into account the presence of peculiar white spots on the ferret: depending on their location (on the tail, face, trunk, extremities, head or neck), the American Ferret Association designates variations under the names:

  • Blaze (blaze flash)
  • Mitts (mits - mittens),
  • Panda (Panda).

Predators are different. Many believe that this detachment of mammals is limited to tigers, brown bears, wolves and other large creations of the animal world. However, the world of carnivores exists in a smaller version. Weasels, ermines, ferrets or martens are predatory animals in miniature.

With the onset of cold weather, many farmers are faced with the problem of small robbers attacking chicken coops, weasel attacks are especially frequent. How to get rid of affection and protect your pets - the problem is urgent and, fortunately, easily resolved.

These small farm thieves are excellent hunters and love flesh: the two characteristic molars in the jaw, designed to cut meat, speak for themselves. To raid a nearby chicken coop for them is a trifling matter. Moreover, they do not choose the most humane methods: a ferret, for example, climbs into the house under cover of night and, despite its small size - only 50 cm in length, can easily strangle a chicken or even a goose. The raids of representatives of the Kunih family, to which these half-meter creatures belong, become more frequent with the onset of cold weather, but this problem is also topical in the summer.

Before you protect your pets, you should draw up a detailed dossier on the representative of this huge family. Kunyi - the family is very rich in various species, in the center of which is the European pine marten. Mink, grison, ferret skunk, badger, wolverine, otter, weasel, ermine are far from a complete list of these nimble and agile inhabitants of forests, fields and swamps. Russian farmers most often face affectionate attacks.

Weasel: habits and physique

This representative of the marten is characterized by:

  • small stature;
  • short paws of 5 fingers;
  • elongated torso;
  • fine and thick coat;
  • the ability to exist for a long period of time without personal housing;
  • quick getting used to the proximity of a person and, ultimately, the loss of fear of him.

Before choosing ways to deal with a ruthless hunter, you should study its features and habits. This cute animal proudly bears the title of the smallest mammal predator:

  • male body length: 16 - 26 cm;
  • female body length: 11 - 21 cm;
  • male weight: up to 250 g;
  • female weight: up to 100 g;
  • male tail length: up to 8 cm;
  • female tail length: up to 6 cm.

Despite the grace inherent in complexion, their neck is quite massive. The muzzle is small, narrowed, and the ears, on the contrary, are so round that they are not directed upward. Some zoologists note a slight identity with the snake: rapid movements, great mobility and the ability to overcome most geographical obstacles. With the onset of cold weather, the animal’s hair thickens and changes its color from brown to white, which allows the predator to remain invisible in the snow. In the warm season, the brown color returns, and the fur thins. Sometimes affection is mistaken for an ermine: differences between these species are poorly identified, but still there.

Differences between Weasel and Ermine

In addition to the black tassel on the ermine tail, each species has its own characteristic features.

CharacteristicWeaselErmine
FurVirtually of no interest to huntersHighly regarded in the fur industry
DimensionsA little less ermineLarger individuals
TailThin, without a black brush on the endThicker and longer
Diet featuresIn winter there is a shortage of food resourcesNot picky about food, can even eat insects

Weasel, in contrast to the ermine, has a rather uneven distribution, which narrows the search area for it. However, unlike the ermine, the small body size makes it more mobile and gives superiority in tracking and catching forest trophies. On the other hand, the fine texture determines a more saturated energy exchange.

In the non-winning period, in terms of food availability, the ermine shows high adaptive abilities and is able to comfortably exist with a small concentration of animals that it can catch. In taste preferences, it is less whimsical compared to affection. Bird, fish, insects - he can eat everything that falls under his paw, so he can not be called a gourmet.

What is the danger of affection

In order to find the answer to the question of how to neutralize affection or marten, for example, it is necessary to understand the degree of threat that they pose.

This animal, like the ferret, belongs to the category of cruel and ferocious predatorswho love to enjoy domestic animals. Why spend time and energy searching for food in the forest, when you can sneak in and pamper yourself with free food.

Catching these cunning thieves on their own, without using improvised means, is impossible. They are too fast, agile and maneuverable. Do not be fooled by their cute triangular faces: in a fit of hunger, they are able to tear their prey into small pieces. What could be weasel dangerous : to satisfy its need for food, it is not limited to one bird. Her appetite is so great that after she finishes the meal, up to several dozen headless birds can remain in the house. However, she does not commit such bloody slaughter often, preferring to get by with mice and rats, which are much easier to get. It is decided on such dubious actions only if there is no longer any suitable food in the district.

If the animal is completely distraught from the lack of provisions, it can even enter the house and attack a small cat or dog. The weasel’s teeth are very sharp, which allows her to easily kill individuals larger than her.

Signs of an uninvited guest

Weasel, seen near the house, is a harbinger of the imminent death of pets. Opening the hunting season, she shows skillful tactics of tracking and excellent knowledge in the field of camouflage. Given the fact that, like a ferret, it is impossible to take her by surprise, one should prepare for defense.

With the loss of the first snow, it is quite simple to detect signs of uninvited guests. Animals leave specific two-point tracks: they move with the help of jumps, after which characteristic marks appear on a snowy surface. From the distance between the paw prints, it is possible to calculate what kind of marten visited the guests:

  • weasel - 20-30 cm;
  • marten - 30-40 cm;
  • ferret - 50-60 cm.

As practice shows, it is the ferret that causes the greatest damage to farmers, since in comparison with other family members, it is the most bloodthirsty and ruthless.

How to get into the chicken coop

It is not difficult to guess which path the little bandits choose for their bloody intervention. To penetrate the house, they use any available gap. Cracks in the foundation, holes not visible to the eye - all this becomes a potential entrance to the chicken monastery.

Due to their physiology and small size, even small openings become for them a door to the gastronomic paradise. If the walls of the room do not contain holes, but rotted under the influence of time and humidity, the animals can easily gnaw on damp boards.

Since the small robbers learned to use mouse holes, like tunnels leading to a chicken coop, the solution to the problem is how to get rid of affection in the yard , becomes as much a priority as ensuring the safety of the house itself. Even if there are no cracks or holes in the adjacent territory, the weasel can penetrate through the ventilation system or, in extreme cases, make digging on its own: the sharp fangs and claws of the animal allow this manipulation to be carried out as soon as possible.

For safety reasons, inspect every square meter of the house and, if necessary, patch all openings and cover the ventilation system with a net. When designing a house for birds, one should take into account the fact that the foundation must be made thick in order to avoid the penetration of animals through holes.

How to catch affection: ways to catch small predators from the chicken coop

It’s not so difficult to catch house robbers: knowing habits and addictions can weaken their onslaught. For centuries, farmers have been using traps and other traps to capture small predators.

Homemade devices

How to get rid of affection is simple enough! To do this, you need only a few items that are always at hand.


Set a homemade trap for petting

StepDescription
1 It is necessary to cut off the lower and upper parts of the bottle.
2 On one of its ends should be installed bait in the form of one of the favorite meat products: a piece of fresh mutton or pork meat will be an excellent bait, since they cannot but respond to the strong smell of blood coming from it.
3 In the place where traces of the animal were found, you should put a chair.
4 Place the bottle on the edge of the chair.
5 Under the chair, you need to put a bucket into which the beast tempted by the bait should fall. In this case, the lid from it should be fixed so that it slams at the slightest oscillation.

It is important not to miss the moment when the beast falls into a trap in order to have time to timely fix the lid of the bucket. Otherwise, the animal can get out of it and all efforts aimed at solving the problem: how can you catch and get rid of petting in the chicken coop , will be in vain.

It does not matter in what way the predator was captured, after capture it should be released away from its site.

Large Mousetraps

Continues the list of items that help in resolving the issue: what to do so that weasel does not climb into your chicken coop, a large mousetrap.

It is difficult to find an animal that would not be in a trap containing an appetizing piece of meat. Zürner's rat trap is very popular with farmers.

Price of repellers and traps for birds and rodents

Repellers and traps for birds and rodents

You can buy it in a store: the average market value is 1200 rubles, or make it yourself. The manufacturing process is quite simple and does not require large financial costs. It is a small but roomy drawer made of boards. A feature of this trap is the bridges connecting 2 windows located parallel to each other. They form a solid corridor hanging in the air. Over the cover of the device, metal hooks with bait are installed, located above the clutch of two bridges. The animal climbs onto the bridge to swallow the bait and falls into the box.

Repellers

As a preventive measure, you can try to scare away an unsolicited predator. For this purpose, an electronic repeller can do well, which should be placed in the house or in the surrounding area.

Prices for various types of electronic rodent repellers

Electronic repeller

The device emits signals at low purity, provoking panic attacks in animals and the desire to get out of the territory as quickly as possible.

As an alternative, you can install a flashlight with a built-in motion sensor that will respond to the approach of intruders with noise and sound alerts.

Folk methods

Safeguards against the little robber can be quite simple. For example, tar is considered an effective remedy. Rural farmers believe that walls coated with this resinous product will emit odors that repel affection. However, this method is rather dubious: the weasel can get into the chicken coop through the roof or dig a hole, thus not touching the walls.

Types of traps for fishing

To understand how to get rid of petting, you should familiarize yourself with the proven method for centuries: installing a trap.

Traps of this kind are very effective in pest control. They are in an affordable price category: depending on the modification, the cost ranges from 400 to 1000 rubles. The following types of trap are used, which are the most common group:

  • plate
  • framework.

Basically, they are fixed on a path trodden by a predator. There are 3 types of plate type:

  • with an internal spring;
  • with a cross;
  • without a cross.

The most universal among them is a trap with a cross.

Frame traps are also found in several varieties: The base of such traps can be:

  • oval;
  • round;
  • rectangular.

They are used in conditions where it is quite problematic to catch the beast.

At that moment, when the animal falls into the trap, the springs firmly fix its neck and paws, preventing it from moving. To catch the weasel, they mainly use frame options, since they are smaller and more effective than plate dishes designed for larger animals.

Strengthening a chicken coop from a predator

Prices for chicken coops

Chicken coops

If there is no time and desire to acquire funds that will tell you how to get rid of affection in the chicken coop , turn the house into an impregnable fortress and cover up any cracks and holes. It is also necessary to acquire good security: a competent, trained dog will be an excellent guard, protecting from any attacks of predators. It is recommended to surround the house and the walking area with flat plates to prevent undermining. Make sure that there are no empty boxes or other objects in the surrounding area that could serve as shelter for predators.

Dog is a good bird protector

If timely measures are taken to protect and protect pets, you can avoid significant loss of livestock, and not face the need for contact with predatory representatives of the family marten.

Video - Trap for ferrets, martens, weasels, rats

Owners of chickens are familiar with the small but dangerous animal - a caress that can make raids on the chicken coop, ruthlessly exterminating its inhabitants. Today we will talk about methods that make it possible to neutralize such an uninvited guest and protect the house.

Signs of an uninvited guest

Caresses, like ferrets and martens, are inherent in caution; it is almost impossible to catch them by surprise. Not always a predator begins to hunt right away, at first it can go on reconnaissance. Chickens sense the presence of this predator, and this reflects on their behavior. The next morning it looks unusual: the hens are restless, trying not to leave the house.

A clear sign that the animal visited the compound at night are unusual two-point tracks on the ground or in the snow. The distance between them will indicate the type of animal that attacked the chicken coop. Weasel leaves traces with a distance of 200-300 mm, marten - 300-400 mm, ferret - 500-600 mm.


What is the danger of affection and marten

Although the weasel looks pretty cute, it is still a merciless predator. When attacking, she strangles the victim and tears it to shreds. This animal has very sharp teeth, which allows him to easily kill a small goose or chicken.

Did you know? In ancient Rome and Europe of the early Middle Ages, weasels were used as pets, they helped to protect the house from mice and rats.

Due to the small size and brownish color of the hair, the weasel can be well masked, which is why it is not easy to catch. This animal rarely attacks chickens, eating mainly mice and rats, but in their absence, he will look for other sources of food. Weasel is chosen for hunting chicken coops, there have been cases of attacks on cats and dogs. After the caress in the house, dozens of killed chickens and chickens can be seen.


Similar animals, martens, feed on small birds and rodents, but if there are villages with poultry near their habitat, they will hunt there too. During the attack, the marten first gnaws the victim's throat, and then eats it. She moves adroitly and quickly, which makes her capture difficult. Destroying all the chicken stock in one go is not a marten method. She will eat chicken in one go until the chicken coop is empty.

How to get into the chicken coop

Weasel can get into the house through any available hole. A crack in the foundation or an imperceptible gap in the wall - all this helps an uninvited guest to climb to the hens. If the walls of the house do not have holes, but there are boards rotten from time and humidity, the weasel will easily gnaw through them.

Rat and mouse burrows are a favorite way of getting caresses into the house, so protecting the yard from these predators is no less important than the chicken coop itself. If there are no cracks and holes in the territory, the animal is able to get through the system, or dig an underground hole with its sharp claws.


Pet rodents are based on small rodents.

How to catch a weasel in a chicken coop

Having detected signs of predator penetration into the house, you need to act quickly and decisively. There are many ways to protect your pets.

DIY catch

You can catch the animal with your own hands, but this method is quite complicated. Weasels hunt at night, at this time and you need to hide and watch. Having noticed the petting, it is necessary to quickly throw a heavy blanket or cloak on it, press it and place it in a cage.

Wear tight gloves when fishing.so that the beast could not bite. If he did bite you, you need to pinch his nose and put a piece of wood in his mouth.

You can get rid of the animal in a humane way - for this it is carried away from home and left in its natural environment.


It’s quite difficult to catch the weasel by yourself - the animal is very fast

Homemade devices

There are several methods for catching a small animal attacking chickens:

  1. A bucket or box mounted on an abutment, under which a bait (piece of meat) is placed. The predator, trying to take possession of the bait, knocks down the backup and is trapped.
  2. The cell into which the bait is placed. The door must be set so that it closes immediately after an uninvited guest gets into it.
   These methods do not always give the expected effect, because the animal can ignore the traps, preferring live chickens to them. In addition, you need to be on duty near such structures, because even having got there, the predator will try to get out by all means.

Did you know? Weasels have a very fast metabolism. With a mass of 55 g, they are able to eat 25-27 g of meat per day.

Large Mousetraps

Weasels are small animals, so you can use them to capture large sizes. They are a box of wood or metal wire; a suspension bridge is placed inside that connects the walkways.


A bait is attached to the center of the mousetrap. To take possession of the prey, the predator runs along the bridge and falls into the camera. It is impossible to get out of this trap on your own.

Such mousetraps can be bought in specialized stores, or made on their own.

Repellers

If the farmer’s task is not to radically get rid of uninvited predators, but just scare them away from their poultry, special devices will come to the rescue:

  1. Electronic repeller. It produces low-frequency sounds that are not dangerous to humans and are not audible to the human ear. The animals begin to experience panic and run away from the house.
  2. Flashlight with motion sensor. Approaching, the animal provokes the inclusion of a lantern, which emits light and sound signals, which frightens uninvited guests and makes them go away.
   These devices are placed in the immediate vicinity of the house so that small animals do not come close to it.


Folk methods

There are ancient, long developed by our ancestors ways to help get rid of predators. The most popular of these is tar coating the walls of the house. But this method cannot be called particularly reliable, since the animal can penetrate from the side of the roof or undermine the foundation.

To scare away predators, you can use pieces of goat skin that you need to scatter around the chicken coop. Due to its pungent smell, it inspires affection with a sense of danger.

Set traps

A good method of combating predatory animals is to set hunting traps on the territory. When you get caresses it, a device of springs and plates tightly clamps its neck and paws, thereby immobilizing.


Important! When installing a trap, you need to take care of its strong attachment, since the weasel is able to escape along with the trap.

However, one should not forget that these animals are very prudent and will not come close to a trap that smells of a person. To solve this problem, you need to grease the trap with manure, boil it in spruce needles or cover it with slaked lime. After processing, it is necessary to set a trap in fabric mittens.

If a dig is made in the house or there is a course dug by rodents, traps are placed at the beginning and at the end of the tunnel. Chicken feathers may be the bait - the animal will be interested in them, will want to look closer and fall into the trap.

Predator traps

How to protect a chicken coop from a predator

As a “live signaling”, geese or turkeys can be settled nearby, who, sensing the appearance of a predator, will immediately raise an alarm (it is enough to recall the well-known legend about how geese saved Rome in this way). At the same time, they are large enough so that the predator is not able to quickly deal with them.

You can scare away affection, marten or ferret with the help of pets: dogs and cats. The cat must be left in the chicken house. The dog must be placed in a booth installed nearby, or make it a long chain.

Important! Dogs should not be allowed to go to chickens, because dogs can get agitated and harm birds.

If your pets have not yet been attacked by uninvited guests, you need to take certain safety measures to prevent this from happening:

  1. Monitor the condition and repair, avoiding unnecessary cracks and gaps there.
  2. Rotten boards in the walls must be replaced with new ones in a timely manner.
  3. The territory should be fenced with a metal mesh so that the animal could not get into the house.
  4. On the

Weasel - an animal is very aggressive and bloodthirstycapable of committing daring robberies in personal households of the population. However, the most surprising thing is that this animal is a weasel, If the place of which nature “bestowed” such characteristics, is a very tiny and pretty creature - the length of its body reaches an average length of only 16-18 centimeters.

Weasel Description

Weasel has a flexible, dodgy, long, thin body  and is the smallest representative of the order of predators. Outwardly, the weasel is very similar to the ermine, resembling it both with the structure of the body and the color of the fur. The differences between them are in the smaller size of the weasel and in the uniformity of its slightly shorter tail than that of the ermine (up to 9 cm in length, without a dark brush). At its base are special glands that secrete a secret with a disgusting pungent odor.

The legs of the weasel are small, armed with fairly sharp claws.. The head is oblong, ears are rounded and small. The nose is slightly forked and blunt at the end. The neck is long and powerful. Eyes a little bulging, dark and large. Outwardly, female caresses are no different from males - only in body size (they are 30 percent smaller). Weasel length varies on average between 11.4 ... 21.6 centimeters, based on species. Body weight is from 40 g to 100 g.

Pet caress is short and snug. Its color depends on seasonality. In winter, the weasel has a white color, and in summer it is brownish on the outside of the paws, in the tail, sides, back and upper part of the head - only the inside of the paws, belly, chest, edge of the upper lip and throat are still white. By the quality of the density of the fur, the weasel coat is always the same - that in summer, in winter, with the only difference that in the warm season, hair is a little shorter and thinner than winter. In some southern habitats, the animal does not change color at all, remaining predominantly brown.

Weasel habits

Weasel perfectly climbs, runs and even swims - so it is a nimble and dexterous animal. What distinguishes her habits is impudence, bloodthirstiness in attacks and courage, so she can often be found at night at a human home, where she penetrates the economy through the narrowest holes and crevices. Weasel is active at different times of the day, but usually it goes hunting at night or at dusk.

Traditionally leads a more terrestrial lifestyle. It moves in hopping fashion. Bypassing the territory, he prefers to adhere to shrubs and other natural or artificial coverings. He tries to avoid unprotected space. In one day, weasel is able to overcome one or two kilometers. In the winter, he moves in snowy voids.

Due to their small stature, weasels often die when they are crushed by larger animals, but at the same time they often manage to gnaw their opponents' throats. At the time of fights, male weasels emit a very loud screech.

They live affectionately geographically and lead a secluded lifestyle. The size of their zones is quite small, extending within 10 hectares of land (this directly depends on weather conditions and an abundance of food). Sometimes sections of females overlap with sections of males. The boundaries of the zone are usually marked by smell traces.

However, despite the size of the body, weasel is a rather dangerous animal, which is doubly enhanced by its excellent ability to run briskly, climb trees and swim well - that is, this means that for the animal, in fact, there are no obstacles at all. However, it is very useful to humans, because it destroys mice and voles.

Weasel habitats

The habitat of the weasel covers a very vast territory, which includes Australia, North. America, Japan, the Korean Peninsula, China, Mongolia, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq (northern part of the country), Asia Minor, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Europe. That is, this predatory mammal can be found on almost all continents of the planet. But the most widespread distribution of affection is noted in North America, North Asia and Europe.

Where does weasel live

Weasel lives in a wide variety of biotopes, with the exception of the snow belt of highlands and polar deserts. Her dwellings can be found in alpine meadows, in the tundra, desert, along the banks of water bodies, in marshes, outskirts of fields, in low and mountainous areas, forest-steppe, steppe, in forests and even in the vicinity of people's homes.

Nor does weasel intentionally do, mastering what is available: she settles her lair in barns, burrowing rodents, in ruins, in low hollows (up to two meters from ground level), wood masonry, in crevices of rocky rocks, among felling trees, in tree roots and under stones among voids. The nest is lined with fern, chestnut, moss or any dry vegetation.

If strangers suddenly discover or disturb her habitat, the weasel immediately leaves the nest - especially if she has cubs (she transfers them to another place). However, in extreme and sudden danger, the animal is capable of sacrificially, up to the very end, to defend its lair, protecting it. At one site can equip several permanent homes.

What weasel eats

The caress diet consists practically entirely of mouse-like small rodents, which include rats, forest mice, field and house mice, as well as shrews and moles. She does not ignore the chicks, pigeons, chickens, young rabbits, partridges, chickens. Do not mind eating eggs (any birds), making several holes in them and thus sucking out all the contents. In seasons of lack of food, it eats crayfish, large insects, small snakes (snakes, copepods, vipers), lizards, medium-sized fish and all kinds of amphibians.

But despite the fact that weasel is a bloodthirsty predator and a robber, capable of attacking any small animal, her daily need for food is 30 ... 40 grams. Small prey is enough for the animal from above for the head or back of the head, and large - for the bottom for the throat. By exterminating rodents, the weasel does not allow them to multiply, regulating the number in the territory where it lives, which helps the person a lot. Sometimes it makes reserves - for example, in one place you can often find from 1 to 30 mice and voles.

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But also small predators - weasels, martens and ferrets. If the chicken coop is built not far from coniferous or deciduous forests, then the arrival of furry animals will not take long, especially when there is not much food in their natural habitat.

Despite my dear appearance, ferrets, martens and weasels can very much harm the poultry yard of farmers. After all, these predators prey not only on chickens, but can easily strangle a goose or duck. Therefore, in this article we will tell in detail how to protect your chicken coop from unexpected fluffy guests.


The main time of activity of small predators is late at night, when both hens and people sleep peacefully. In addition, they behave very carefully, so catch the marten or affection with bare hands  - an almost impossible task for an ordinary unprepared person.

What signs suggest that the furry forest guests visited:

  • Footprints in the snow. Mostly predators come to people in the winter, when there is a minimum of food in the forest. They leave specific traces that are called "dvuchatki". And you can determine the type of animal by the distance between the tracks: the ferret - 50-60 cm, the marten - 30-40 cm, the weasel - 20-30 cm.

Damage caused:

  • A lot of poultry chickens. Small predators go into the chicken coop and squeeze a bunch of birds, although in order to get enough, one or two individuals are enough.
  • Torn off heads. The animals know that the process of decomposition of bird tissue begins with the head, so they tear it off so that the carcass remains fresh longer.

The greatest harm from all the above predators is done by the forest ferret.  He has a very cruel behavior - after the appearance of this animal, the whole chicken coop is littered with the corpses of chickens, and most of them remain untouched. He strangles birds as long as he has strength.

The most "harmless" of the above animals is weasel. When she runs into a chicken coop, she first exterminates rats and mice and only in the absence of these pests attacks poultry.

There were also cases when weasels penetrated people's homes and attacked pets - cats and dogs.

Martens get into the chicken coop only in the most extreme cases, when there is no food in the forest, and there are people’s dwellings nearby. The peculiarity of the marten hunting is that it first cuts the throat of its victim, and only then eats it.

Ferrets, weasels and martens are the natural enemies of rats and mice. If mice and rats have settled in the chicken coop, then you can get small predators - they will destroy rodents. It is noteworthy that they will not touch the hens in your chicken coop, but may begin to visit the neighbors' house.

Penetration paths

How do martens, ferrets and weasels get into chicken sheds? Most in a simple way  penetrations for them are various crevices and openings. For example, a marten or weasel can crawl through a hole, open windows, or loose doors. Since these small predators are quite graceful and flexible, they can squeeze into any, even the smallest, gap.

Animals often enter the house through the burrows of rats or mice. Also, cracks and potholes in the structure can serve as a hole for them. If there are no gaps and holes, then the predators dig the foundation with sharp claws and fangs. They can also gnaw a hole in rotten boards.

To prevent the entry of fluffy hunters into the chicken coop, it is necessary to carry out a number of actions:

  • Install a mesh with small cells in the ventilation;
  • Repair the building and seal all holes and crevices;
  • If you are just planning to build a chicken coop, give preference to a concrete floor and a solid foundation;
  • The walls should be strong, ideally made of bricks;
  • To fence the territory adjacent to the chicken coop or with fine mesh (mesh size - not more than 1.5 cm), deepening it into the ground by 50-60 cm;
  • If it is not possible to use a brick to build a chicken coop, the walls can be upholstered with sheet metal;
  • To clear the area around - remove all boards, branches, so that animals can not hide in them.

Padouin chickens will become an adornment of any bird yard. Read more about this breed.

Ways to fight

These animals are very smart and cunning, so just catching them with their bare hands will not work.

There are several ways to help you protect your birds. We will consider each of them in detail.

Traps and traps

Traps and traps these animals easily bypass. That is why the predator needs to be interested. For example, you can decompose dead chickens and set traps around them. Making his way to meat, the animal deftly avoids all obstacles. After a predator picks prey in its teeth, it usually backs away. And in this case, the trap set behind it will definitely work.

But you should be careful with traps, because pets and small children can also get caught in them.

A simple and humane trap can be easily and simply done with your own hands:

  1. You need to take a cage, box or bucket and attach a door to them, which would be slammed when knocking down the strut.
  2. The bait is placed inside (for example, a dead chicken, a piece of lamb or pork);
  3. Feeling the smell of raw meat, the predator will climb behind the bait and will certainly fall into the trap.

However, a person should be near at this moment so that the animal could not knock out the door, because it will fight until the very end for its life and freedom. It is recommended that the captured animal be taken out and released in the forest, away from human dwellings.

Using this method do not trap poison bait, because pets (cats, dogs) will definitely want to try what is hidden there.

In addition, it is worth considering one point: you must definitely destroy your smell on traps or traps, otherwise the animal will not even fit the devices. There are several ways to do this:

  • grease traps and traps with manure;
  • whitewash slaked lime;
  • boil a trap or trap in the needles of spruce.

Pets

The four-legged human friends can be excellent helpers in preventing predators from entering the chicken coop. The dog needs to be put on a long chain so that he can reach all corners of the chicken coop, or provide him with free walking in the yard.

If you plan to use cats, then you need to “send” them directly to the chicken coop. But this is not worth doing with dogs, because being locked in the room, the dog begins to be afraid and yearn and can get enormous stress.

Cats and dogs, in case of unexpected guests, will certainly inform you about this with their behavior and, in addition, they will be able to scare away small predators with their presence.

Folk methods

Among the folk methods that should be used to protect the chicken coop, he is a small predator, one can be called. It consists in the fact that the walls of the building must be coated with tar. However, the effectiveness of this method is a very big question, because the animal can climb through the roof or undermine the foundation. So the statement that the hunter is caught in a sticky trap is highly controversial. But, on the other hand, an unpleasant smell can scare away the beast.

Using repellers

Ultrasonic repellers are a popular method of pest control in the household - they are used against insects, rats and mice. A similar control scheme is also suitable for small predators - having felt low-frequency signals, the animal will leave the house in a panic. However, as the reviews show, not all models of such devices are effective, so you need to take the issue of choice seriously - read what users say on the Internet, see reviews, compare prices, and choose the best for yourself.

An alternative to this method is the installation of a lantern near the chicken coop with a motion sensor. When the predator approaches the place of hunting, the lamps turn on and the device emits sound and light signals that will frighten the animal.

Mechanical methods

If you prefer humane methods of pest control, you can try to catch the animal with your bare hands, although it will be quite difficult to do this. Weasels, ferrets and martens act under the cover of night, so you can catch it only at night. But how to catch the animal so that it does not harm you? There are two ways to do this.

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