Mink and hens

[sunloving]

Hello all, I've just moved from an area with lots of foxes who were kept from the hens by having the coops on stilts and the dog scent, to a riverside place with mink. I've not yet brought the girls over because the mink seem very hard to defend against, has anyone got any tips about keeping the mink out? Will the coop on stilts still work? What fencing has been successful for you? X sun loving

[sunloving]

[daveyboi]

From what I understand stilts will not work with mink as they can climb like squirrels I am afraid.

[sunloving]

From what I understand stilts will not work with mink as they can climb like squirrels I am afraid.

Oh dear I'm starting to think they need a bespoke stone house or something as I've heard lots of tales of carnage!

[daveyboi]

From  what I have  read there is not a great deal you can do to keep them out they can get through wire netting. Only thing I am not sure might work or not is an electric fence.

Seems all you can do is trap them but you can not release them you have to kill them.

[ancellsfarmer]

You have a considerable problem. Share your concerns with any local interest, if its a river or stillwater,no doubt the angling group bailiff will appreciate your interest and willingly co-operate. For more specialist advice see
http://www.gwct.org.uk/wildlife/research/mammals/american-mink/why-control-mink