Live Trap Bait

[Shot_Gunn]

I have lost a few chickens over that last couple weeks.  I am suspecting its a raccoon but I am not sure.  I cant figure out how it is getting into the coup.  I acquired a live trap and I am wondering what to use for bait.  Any suggestions?

[Woodchuck]

Soft cat food 

[bhawley76]

live chickens 

[Oh Mah]

live bait is illegal.

[JakeLand]

If cats are around use marshmallows and strawberry or similar jelly if no cats around a can of sardines and wire it to the bottom of the cage

[Archry]

Marshmallows for raccoons.  Leave a trail in and cover the floor with dirt or leaves.  Place a stick across in front of the pan a few inches off the ground this will cause the animal to step over the stick  hard on the pan to trigger the trap.

[Machias]

Be prepared to deal with a skunk.  Best way is to wrap your trap in cardboard or a tarp.  It will get chewed on and torn, so I like to use cardboard.  If you don't want to deal with a skunk, get your trap up off the ground.  Coons will climb and skunks do not.  I like to use vanilla wafers, coons love them and generally cats will leave it alone.  Marshmellows are great as well and have great eye appeals.  I also sometimes put some peanut butter or jelly on the vanilla wafers.