The official first day of wintertime fall on December 21 , still several week away as I write this , but you would never know it from our weather here in western Washington .
Instead of somber clouds and rainwater , we have glacier - blue sky and crisp sun this morning . Last nighttime , the temperature plummet to 18 academic degree ( here that ’s hundred .. coke .. cold ) , turning water buckets to methamphetamine hydrochloride bucket , frosting the Tree and making our athirst wild neighbors even hungrier .
Several night ago , one or more cunning raccoon snagged and partly eat two chickens through the wire of their pen . Last evening , topsy-turvydom take fire during tuck - in metre ( our birds free - grasp by day)—not surprisingly , the remaining ducks and chickens were reluctant to enrol their pens after the attack .
In the confusedness and fading light , my particular Muscovy duck’s egg friend , seven - year - old Velma , rest out of doors without our fuck it . From the feeling of it , the raccoons killed her as she slept on the pen roof .
I ’m not sharing this so as to ignite hate of raccoons ( or other furious predators ) , but as a cautionary tale . Yes , I experience sad and frustrated , as well as furious at myself for allow this to pass .
I do n’t feel too pleased with Mr. or Ms. Raccoon and family flop now either ; however , I ’m not out for their blood . As a former zoo custodian who worked closely with raccoon , mountain lion , wolves , and other maligned predators , I ca n’t aid but respect and like these absorbing animals .
Raccoons are super adaptable , fresh , and often very bold . gifted climber and good swimmers , these dexterous , mostly nocturnal omnivore dine on pretty much anything they can get : crayfish , worm , Pisces , berries , grains , carrion , eggs , infant mouse , bozo food for thought , and more .
They possess an insatiate curiosity ; we ’ve had individuals — adorable baby to adults — climb up on our Adirondack chairs to peer in the living elbow room windows , often coming nose - to - nose with our excited Coonhound mix , Pippin . This appeal of attributes has helped raccoon flourish from Canada to Central America , but it also brings them into conflict with humans .
I ca n’t blame these dissemble brigand for doing what they must do to survive , but I can take steps this winter to forbid them from make it on my ducks and chickens — and so can you : gather your birds into secure inclosure during the nighttime , when many predators are most active .
Check coops / pens on a regular basis for holes , opening and weakened / rusted wire where intruders can enter or reach through ( we ’re presently beefing up our pens with plywood and ironware textile ; the coons tore right through the old chicken telegram ) . Do n’t allow for solid food outside at night for pets , or purposely run racoon . Consider a train livestock shielder brute for 24/7 security ( many Fannie Farmer swear by them ) .
~Cherie
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