HELP!!! Whats killing my BW quail????

[zipper]

I have my BW quail in an outdoor grow out cage and have been losing 1 every night to some kind of critter. I have not seen anything around the cages at all but every morning there is one more dead and partially eaten. My grow out cages are 4' above ground with 1/2" x 1" wire bottoms and 1/2" x 1/2" wire fronts. Something is eating them through the bottom wire. I usually find one with the head and neck areas eaten but today I found one that had been "gutted". Any suggestions as to what is eating them and how to eliminate the rascals?

[Reeves]

Set 4-6 rat traps around the ground under the pen ?
Maybe some largers ones as well, in case what ever it is , is reaching through the wire to do it's dasterdly deed.

[NH/Pete]

Try using a dead bird as bait in a live trap.

[Sharpshooter]

Sounds like a coon to me,I had the same thing happen.Set some traps under the pen.I caught a bunch of coons,possums,skunks.Leg holds and kill them there or live traps and kill 'em later.

[yote1]

If you don't have a roof it sure sounds like an owl with only the neck and head area eaten. If your using foot hold traps set them on light hit for smaller critters. Coons will usually kill them all

[jchiar]

1/2x1 wire is to big for bottom use 1/2x1/2 and put a double layer space about 4 inches a part

[CharlieHorse]

I usually find one with the head and neck areas eaten but today I found one that had been "gutted".

I've had the same gifts left for me and it has always been a coon.

Try using a dead bird as bait in a live trap.

That's exactly how I always caught them. 

I've been told that it's good luck to release them on the court house steps?  

1/2x1 wire is to big for bottom use 1/2x1/2 and put a double layer space about 4 inches a part

I agree with that, and the double layer with space in between idea is a sure-fire cure.

Rumor has it, that a bowl with a dead quail and 110 volts will put the hurts on it.........and anything else that comes in contact.  

[Pheasant Hollow Farm]

I agree, more likely coons. If the head was gone, I would venture on mink.

Steve
Pheasant Hollow Farm

[zipper]

I do have solid roofs and sides, only the front and bottom is wire. I just checked the pens today and no fatalities last night. I did set 2 leg hold traps underneath the affected pen. I hope I get that sucker and give him some lead poisoning. The 1/2 x 1 wire is what I have always used on the bottoms since it is a much heavier gauge than the 1/2 x 1/2. I will probably do the double layer as suggested.

[jchiar]

leave the 1/2 x 1 and add 1/2 x 1/2

[wildergamebirds]

  I like the 1/2X1, also, for the weight.  I would Just add 1/2X1/2, or more 1/2X1, with 2X4s for spacers.

[zipper]

Well, the culprit is back! I just found 6 more BW dead or dying. One had had both feet eaten off, another was partially eaten, and 4 more had just their beak/face eaten off and to beat it all one of the four was still alive and had to be destroyed. Neither of my leg hold traps had been sprung either!!! That does it, I'm off tomorrow so the cages get a secondary floor spaced about 4-6 inches below the existing floor. I am really P.O.'ed at this thing whatever it is. I go through a lot of trouble building secure pens, hatching eggs, brooding chicks, and all the other chores that come from this hobby to just sit back and let some critter kill my "babies". I promise a sure death to this thing when I catch it!!! Let the PETA put that in their pipe and smoke it.

[wildergamebirds]

  For tonight, I would put a radio under the pen (plugged in, and turned on).  The traps should be gang set.  Tie part of a dead bird to the bottom of the wire directly above traps.  Usually this will distract them so they don't notice the traps, but, if dirt is loose, bury the traps.  Barn tin all the way around would help a lot, but now that they know where to find the goodies that won't be enough.

[CharlieHorse]

Well, the culprit is back!

Coons don't seem to strike every day. They'll get their bellies full, and that will last a couple of days until they're in need of a fill up. Then when your thinking that maybe it was an isolated incident and let your guard down.................

BAM!!

[Pine Grove]

 Sounds like a  house cat to me..