Raccoons!!!!!!!!!!

[holly tayls]

Well I ahve a 7 YO / 5 TO at the time and he was horrified , as was I when one of the adults came running out of the garage at him growling as he was riding his bike down the drive. Thank heavens it didnt pursue him. I live in the suburbs and although I have several state parks w/ in a mile or two these did not come from the parks, at least not directly they came from the sewer. I know this as I chase them every year back into their sewer. Not until this year did anyone do anything about it after many neighbors complained. It took myself pulling off the manhole cover and climbing down and zip tying a pc of grate to keep them off of my street. They have not been back since.

 

[carolinacorn69]

Fair enough, I apologise for that post.
I set mouse traps and I shoot rats, and if Racoons are killing your pets then shoot them, but never drown one!!!

 

[snakewispera snr]

Well I ahve a 7 YO / 5 TO at the time and he was horrified , as was I when one of the adults came running out of the garage at him growling as he was riding his bike down the drive. Thank heavens it didnt pursue him. I live in the suburbs and although I have several state parks w/ in a mile or two these did not come from the parks, at least not directly they came from the sewer. I know this as I chase them every year back into their sewer. Not until this year did anyone do anything about it after many neighbors complained. It took myself pulling off the manhole cover and climbing down and zip tying a pc of grate to keep them off of my street. They have not been back since.

Wow that was really dangerous. I'm confind space and gas trained. You could of hit a pocket of gas and gone down really quick, then your mate or partener comes to help you and they are over come as well. (very common accident)
DON'T EVER DO THAT AGAIN
any pics of the raccoon riding the bike. I'd love to see them

MIKE

 

[holly tayls]

no worries I didnt climb into the sewer itself (in the middle of the road) but where they were coming up out of (the storm sewer). You know near every street corner theres a big upening in the street where the storm run off drains. I popped the cover off of that and put the grating there

 

[Shade]

While I recognize the need to kill coons, and have no problems with people that do it, I think drowning is still cruel. I've also had to cull large numbers of rats (which I have a hard time doing in the first place because I like rats) but I couldn't drown them. I had to smack them against counters one by one.

 

[Nova_C]

This thread has been giving mixed feelings like you wouldn't believe.

When I was reading the thread about the boy who stomped on the snake I purposely avoided replying. However, this thread carries some of the same sentiments and I need to say something.

It's easy to to read the part of the story that you're given and make judgments based on that. Both that thread with the boy and this one have people who are quick to condemn, to judge and act superior with knowing very little of why something was done. I cannot speak for anyone, certainly not people who are only briefly mentioned in a news story, but how is it that some of you seem to know so many intimate details of an anonymous person? Enough to make the kind of condemning opinion that basically filled the other thread?

I raised piranhas for a couple years. Now I have a corn snake. Both are pets with very specific reputations which end up encouraging people looking for status animals to buy them. Hearing about other piranha owners who deliberately stock their aquariums to encourage fighting and vicious predation of animals that aren't normal piranha prey (Like the ever popular live mouse) only depressed me.

But while I could remark on my feelings for that specific behavior, I could not remark on the worth or personality of the owner. All I saw was a momentary worst put on display. Who am I to use that as the basis for a condemning opinion?

 

[Nanci]

Dead is dead. If the animal to be killed can't comprehend the concept of impending death, how is losing consciousness after 30-90 seconds of anoxia any worse than being blown to bits by shot or being whacked over the head? I hope all you protesters/accusers are lifelong vegans, because I can guarantee you any animal meat you've eaten hasn't been the result of a peaceful painless death. Oh, you only eat eggs/drink milk? What's the life of a dairy cow/laying hen like? And do they go on to a peaceful retirement? How about fish? They are either frozen- not a painless death as we reptile owners know, or they suffocate in the air. Wear leather- guilty. Take Premarin- guilty. At least I can say with a pristine conscious that my killing was for a purpose (protecting my pets), done by my own hands, and unavoidable. You may not agree with the method, but you weren't there. How many of you have discovered beloved pets mutilated and murdered and had to pick up their guts with your own hands and known that the predator would return again and again until no one was left alive? Yeah, do that once and see how it feels. I visciously protected the remaining birds, and I'd do the same now. It's probably also not a good idea to break into my house at night. I'll protect myself, too.

Nanci

 

[snakewispera snr]

Wow nancy you came out of that corner like a raccoon with big pointy teeth

Well said though
MIKE

 

[Plissken]

I still believe that if an animal is to be killed there are right ways and wrong ways of doing it. In my opinion the quickest method should be used that causes the least amount of suffering. If we're going to take away life it should be done responsibly. If my time was up I would much rather go by an instant shot than to drown. Yeah, death is death, but to me that's not the point. If you can kill it instantly, what's the point making it's death last a painful and distressing 90 seconds? It's still a living thing, up until that very last split second.

I also feel that we as pet owners have a responsibility to ensure that predators simply can't get to our pets. I'm not aiming that comment at anyone in particular or accusing anyone of irresponsible keeping; I'm just throwing out a general comment. Wild animals have no understanding of a pet, or that taking that bird will upset a human. It's just food. It's painful to lose pets, but it's ridiculous to hate every member of a species because one individual was looking for a meal. They just do what they do.

 

[starsevol]

Well, all you guys should probably know that alot of my customers are fairly angry at your lot right about now.
I am at work, and all these revelations and confessions saddened me, and kept me awake all last night. Pictures of drowning animals running through my head all night and such. As a result this old lady did not get her beauty sleep and this morning my poor customers are confronted with a total hag.
Thanx a bunch, guys.

Felt I needed to update on the general conditions around my workplace. Last night I dreamed I was skydiving. You know when you're dreaming and you KNOW you're dreaming and since you can't get hurt, you have no fear? It was like that.
Then somehow I was dreaming of the world's most adorable cat, Rumpus, who died back in 2002, but it wasn't a bad dream.
All told, this old lady got her beauty sleep and as a result didn't frighten anyone yet today!
I guess I recover quickly.

My thoughts are these....do I agree with the controversial aspects of this thread? Well considering how I slept after reading about it, I would have to say no, I didn't.
Does it matter whether I agree or not? No, it doesn't!
BUT, what's past is past, yes?
I can only manage myself and my own actions. It's enough of a job for me to police myself, for cryin' out loud!
If someone else does something that is really truly wrong, then Karma will deal with it in the end. Everything balances out.

 

[carolinacorn69]

I still believe that if an animal is to be killed there are right ways and wrong ways of doing it. In my opinion the quickest method should be used that causes the least amount of suffering. If we're going to take away life it should be done responsibly. If my time was up I would much rather go by an instant shot than to drown. Yeah, death is death, but to me that's not the point. If you can kill it instantly, what's the point making it's death last a painful and distressing 90 seconds? It's still a living thing, up until that very last split second.

I also feel that we as pet owners have a responsibility to ensure that predators simply can't get to our pets. I'm not aiming that comment at anyone in particular or accusing anyone of irresponsible keeping; I'm just throwing out a general comment. Wild animals have no understanding of a pet, or that taking that bird will upset a human. It's just food. It's painful to lose pets, but it's ridiculous to hate every member of a species because one individual was looking for a meal. They just do what they do.

Well said.
An animal, believe it or not, does feel pain and distress!

 

[desertanimal]

I also feel that we as pet owners have a responsibility to ensure that predators simply can't get to our pets. I'm not aiming that comment at anyone in particular or accusing anyone of irresponsible keeping; I'm just throwing out a general comment. Wild animals have no understanding of a pet, or that taking that bird will upset a human. It's just food. It's painful to lose pets, but it's ridiculous to hate every member of a species because one individual was looking for a meal. They just do what they do.

Exactly. Raccoons have nimble hands (so nimble that they can forage with them under freezing cold water and their hands don't lose their sensitivity and agility like ours do when they get really cold), and prey species that are kept outdoors will need double barriers.

 

[Hypancistrus]

I still believe that if an animal is to be killed there are right ways and wrong ways of doing it. In my opinion the quickest method should be used that causes the least amount of suffering. If we're going to take away life it should be done responsibly. If my time was up I would much rather go by an instant shot than to drown. Yeah, death is death, but to me that's not the point. If you can kill it instantly, what's the point making it's death last a painful and distressing 90 seconds? It's still a living thing, up until that very last split second.

I agree 100%. My original post was mostly shock... I've been around a while, I've read Nanci's posts and come to the conclusion that she and I share quite a lot with regards to our thoughts on our pets. They're a very important part of our life. I have absolutely no issue with an animal being killed when it injures or kills a pet, child, whatever. I have no problems with farming, hunting, or any other use of animals so long as we humans do our best to treat them in a humane fashion. In my opinion, drowing is not a humane way to kill ANYTHING for ANY reason. I am entitled to my opinion, even if it is in the minority for this thread. The person who said Nanci is an evil person is way off base on that assessment, but is also entitled to their opinion. Sharing an opinion should not get you banned from a site.

If an animal was in the ACT of attacking one of my pets, my child, my spouse there would be no limits to what I'd do to get rid of it, to make the danger go away. But to me, the situation described was one of anger and revenge, one of emotions clouding a persons judgement, and I felt a need to express my opinion on it. I don't believe I was the only one that felt that way either- merely the first to publicly express my opinion, and I wrestled with that decision for a while before I actually posted it.

I live in the city and we have rat problems, so we take steps to avoid attracting them and we vaccinate our dogs against rat-borne diseases. If you live in the country, where predators are still common, you need to take steps to protect your pets, children, livestock and investments. If you don't do this and a predator gets to them, that's really unfortunate and very sad, but should serve as a wake-up call to build a betterm safer enclosure next time... do what you need to do to keep them safe. :shrugs:

 

[Nanci]

If you guys think a gunshot wound to the head (or anywhere) guarantees an instant painless death, you haven't spent as much time in a trauma room as I have. Unless you blow the head right off, the human or animal _doesn't_ die right away. I've seen hundreds of GSW humans with horrific injuries. Some died, some survived.

Nanci

 

[Roy Munson]

The person who said Nanci is an evil person is way off base on that assessment, but is also entitled to their opinion. Sharing an opinion should not get you banned from a site.

You're wrong about this. And you consider yourself a rational person? You're an IDIOT!!!

There-- I've just shared some opinions (though I don't REALLY hold those opinions, my friend). The person you're talking about attacked Nanci and posted in a very inflammatory way. Those actions are against the rules, and persisting in those actions will get a person banned from this site. I stand by my warning, and I will follow through with my threat if necessary (I don't think it will be). She could have said that she didn't find Nanci's actions to be consistent with those of a professed animal lover, and she could have said that she found the act evil. Semantic games? Maybe. But that's the way the world works. It's called diplomacy. It's essential to maintaining a civil atmosphere in a community.

 

[Hypancistrus]

The person you're talking about attacked Nanci and posted in a very inflammatory way. Those actions are against the rules, and persisting in those actions will get a person banned from this site.

I see where you are coming from now. I thought you were referring to the fact that s/he called Nanci evil. Which may, in their eyes, be quite true. But the way they posted it was unacceptable. Gotcha.

 

[Hypancistrus]

Did a bit of reading...

About raccoon. We don't have them around here, as I said before, we are in the city.

Controlling Raccoons

Exclusion of raccoons from coops and poultry yards is usually the most practical and effective method to prevent losses. At night, poultry should be kept in raccoon-proof sheds or houses. Ideally, poultry should be confined day and night in a sturdy house combined with a predator-proof outdoor run area. This also provides protection from many other types of predators. Often with a few simple tools and a little material, even somewhat dilapidated coops can be rejuvenated into raccoon-proof condition. Keep in mind that raccoons are climbers. Moreover, they are strong animals capable of seizing and pushing or pulling objects with considerable force. Usually, raccoons are not inclined to break through walls or fences that are intact and in reasonably good condition. Entry is usually made through open, weak, or loose places. Following is a list of measures you can use to protect poultry from raccoons.

1. Cover tops of outdoor runs with wire mesh and/or suitable paneling material and fasten securely. If this is not practical, shut poultry indoors at night.
2. Patch or repair all holes or weak places in existing wire or wood (house or run.)
3. Check all edges of overlapping or stapled chicken wire for tightness and tie or staple securely.
4. Check ground edges of coop for tightness. Raccoons may dig under fencing or enlarge existing spaces.
5. Coop doors should be close fitting and sturdy. Beware of plywood doors which may have substantial warp at corners.
6. Simple door fasteners, such as plain hooks, should be replaced with more sophisticated devices such as safety hooks or locking hasps. Raccoons can manipulate and open elementary door latches.
7. To prevent raccoons from reaching in and grabbing poultry, night roosting or standing areas should be at least 12 inches away from cracks or wire mesh of more than 3/4 inch square spacing. Smaller size wire can be installed near roosting areas.
8. Birds housed in wire or plastic cages should be kept within the confines of raccoon-proof buildings at night. An alternative solution is to hang or suspend cages from ceiling at least 4 feet above the floor and 5 feet away from walls.

So in the initial case here, if I read correctly, the coon entered from underneat the coop/cage and pulled the quail down through it?? And then bit their legs off and left? Did s/he break through wire to get in? Or was the cage bottom set up above the ground and open underneath?

Hawkin', what had you done to prevent coons from getting into your coop or cage to begin with? And Nanci, are you at all worried about them injuring your tortoises in their open topped enclosure? Or are you counting on the electric fence line to keep them out?

 

[cornsnakekid92]

Dead is dead. If the animal to be killed can't comprehend the concept of impending death, how is losing consciousness after 30-90 seconds of anoxia any worse than being blown to bits by shot or being whacked over the head? I hope all you protesters/accusers are lifelong vegans, because I can guarantee you any animal meat you've eaten hasn't been the result of a peaceful painless death. Oh, you only eat eggs/drink milk? What's the life of a dairy cow/laying hen like? And do they go on to a peaceful retirement? How about fish? They are either frozen- not a painless death as we reptile owners know, or they suffocate in the air. Wear leather- guilty. Take Premarin- guilty. At least I can say with a pristine conscious that my killing was for a purpose (protecting my pets), done by my own hands, and unavoidable. You may not agree with the method, but you weren't there. How many of you have discovered beloved pets mutilated and murdered and had to pick up their guts with your own hands and known that the predator would return again and again until no one was left alive? Yeah, do that once and see how it feels. I visciously protected the remaining birds, and I'd do the same now. It's probably also not a good idea to break into my house at night. I'll protect myself, too.

Nanci

I can understand why you killed the coon and why you did it that way but saying whatever way it dies dose not matter i tihnk is a false statment. If you ever had to cull a deformed hatchling why shmoosh the head then? why not just chop it in half, i mean it with only be 30-90 seconds before it bleeds to death?

 

[Nanci]

I can understand why you killed the coon and why you did it that way but saying whatever way it dies dose not matter i tihnk is a false statment. If you ever had to cull a deformed hatchling why shmoosh the head then? why not just chop it in half, i mean it with only be 30-90 seconds before it bleeds to death?

Where did I say "whatever way it dies does not matter?" I didn't.

Nanci

 

[Hawkin']

About raccoon. We don't have them around here, as I said before, we are in the city.

Controlling Raccoons



So in the initial case here, if I read correctly, the coon entered from underneat the coop/cage and pulled the quail down through it?? And then bit their legs off and left? Did s/he break through wire to get in? Or was the cage bottom set up above the ground and open underneath?

Hawkin', what had you done to prevent coons from getting into your coop or cage to begin with? And Nanci, are you at all worried about them injuring your tortoises in their open topped enclosure? Or are you counting on the electric fence line to keep them out?

The pens look like large rabbitt hutches.A small enclosed wood "barn" for a roost area at night connected to a large wire flight pen.Both are raised up on legs so the bottom is about 40" off the ground.The floor of the flight pen is 1/4x 1/4" wire.That's small enough that the coons usally can't get a hold of the birds feet.Some how this one managed to do it.I've had birds for over 20 years and never had one taken through mesh that small.I'm keeping a couple box traps set under them at all times now.Oh,and by the way I have no problem with Nanci drowning the coon.Maybe next time she should waste more time and money(cost of her birds,feed and time to care for them) and take it to the vet to be put down.It's not like she tortured it,she did what she had to do to get rid of it.OH,the poor coon,give me a break :sobstory: I like city rats,house mice,bees and ants,but I bet a lot of you "cruel & mean" people kill them with poison,traps and sprays.Where do you draw the line of what is okay to kill.To me raccoons are way over populated disease carrying major pains in the a**.