Last year about this time I received a gift certificate to celebrate my 10 year reunion with the company that I work for. The gift certificate has been sitting on my desk, just waiting for me to decide how to use it. The decision has been made!
Last week I ordered myself a digital trail/game camera from Cabella's. They have several to choose from, and not being an "expert" on trail/game cameras I relied heavily on customer reviews posted on the Cabella's website.
I chose to purchase the Leaf River Model iR-7SS. I'm still not sure if it's the "best" option out there, but I liked it's features, and it was affordable, so it's the one I chose.
I haven't been able to figure out how to set the date/time yet, but I'm sure it's possible... the instruction manual isn't exactly accurate for this feature. I'll keep trying though!
Usually trail/game cameras are used by hunters to scout hunting spots. The cameras are motion activated and take photos (some even video) when motion is detected in range of the camera. This gives hunters a better idea of what is in the area, and allows them to determine the prime hunting locations. However, I have a completely different use in mind! I want to see what's prowling around the farm at night!
We set the camera up near the back corner of the chicken coop, near a brooder I have sitting outside of the chicken yard. The first night the camera was set up we had a big storm. The camera took photos, but mostly of tree branches being blown in front of the lens. Last night we didn't have a storm and the camera worked great!
(Click on the photos for a larger view...)
Here you can see the stubborn hens that insist on sleeping on the brooder I have inside the chicken yard. Why they don't sleep in the coop is beyond me. There is one hen inside that brooder, being "introduced" to the flock. You can also see in the lower left corner of the photo, one corner of the roof of another brooder I have outside of the chicken yard. We move this brooder around as we need to. Sometimes it houses chickens that need some extra TLC, and sometimes it houses chicks. Most of the time, it's empty.
Just as I suspected... the reason we have the chicken house and yard built the way we do presented itself on top of that brooder.
I know this raccoon is looking over at my chickens who are resting peacefully on the brooder, wishing it could have chicken for dinner.
Raccoon: "I see chicken dumplings, chicken nuggets, chicken pot pie, eggs over easy... "
Farmer: "I see safe, happy chickens, ready to enjoy their next happy chicken day."
At night , and in very low light settings, the camera takes black/white photos.
As soon as there is enough light, the camera switches to daylight color photos.
Alan and I have built the chicken yard quite securely. ...but I will be moving the brooder that is currently outside the yard, to inside the yard. There are 6 baby chicks in that brooder right now!
Wonder what I'll catch on film tonight!
Mmmmm, I think I see a nice racoon tail to hang on the back of my motorcycle! Rocky Racoon had better be careful!
Posted by: AL Wight | April 27, 2010 at 12:12 PM
My sister is a police officer and she says they've busted hundreds burglars with these cameras! They have some with a silent "shutter" and the dirt bags had no idea they were on candid camera. BUSTED!
Posted by: leslie | April 27, 2010 at 09:28 AM
I tryed to leave a comment/ message on Marry Anne K's site but since I'm not a computer guy, just a dad and a outdoor guy, I failed to figure out how to "pick a what?" to leave the message. Anna is my window to the universe. Hook me up with that stuffed Coon I have just the spot for him!
Posted by: DK Wight | April 27, 2010 at 09:08 AM
Uh oh. Somebody was busted! So glad your chicken brooders/houses are built so securely. Go away, naughty 'coon!
Posted by: Shellie Daniel | April 27, 2010 at 08:30 AM
You are awesome, Mr Wight! As the wife of an ex-coon hunter, I can lend you the light cap. Maybe you would like the big stuffed coon in my attic? What you won't do when you are dating someone. Spent many nights looking for eyes in trees. Yipes, I am glad this is all past tense! Your camera is great, Anna.
Posted by: Mary Anne K. | April 27, 2010 at 06:52 AM
Neat photos! My great white hunter BIL has one set up in the woods. Very interesting to see all the wildlife that prowls around in just that one area.
Posted by: Bev | April 27, 2010 at 06:15 AM
This was great fun for me. I wonder what else you'll catch on tape. What a great idea.
Posted by: Judy Workman | April 26, 2010 at 11:46 PM
If you look closely, you can see the fifth chicken from the left sticking it's tongue out at the racoon.
Posted by: MicheleP | April 26, 2010 at 09:18 PM
Yikes! Coons eat full grown chickens??? I didn't know that! I know that coyotes will do that. I'm still studying whether I can have chickens and keep them safe (and happy) with my small place (in the city) and long work hours. I don't think we have raccoons here . . . hmmm. What else eats chickens (other than me?) LOL
Posted by: Sharli | April 26, 2010 at 07:51 PM
one of the few animals that I haven't seen "pose" for you :)
He seems to be VERY shifty
Posted by: sherri | April 26, 2010 at 07:49 PM
Hmmm. My DH's bd is July 5th, and he might have some fun with this!
Posted by: Doris | April 26, 2010 at 04:45 PM
These cameras are waaayyy too cool! My brother has one..uses it for spotting deer,etc. that come into his "deer camp" among other creatures....too bad it doesnt' come with a little pump gun or air rifle..oops!!! did I say that...not kill them..but let them know "they're alive"....have fun and keep those chickies safe...
Posted by: Kellie | April 26, 2010 at 02:56 PM
That is so cool! And quite fascinating! I can't wait to see what else you capture on your "chicken-cam". There's no telling what all sneaks around your chicken kids at night...but it won't be a mystery any more!! :D
Posted by: diane mcvey | April 26, 2010 at 02:28 PM
DH and DS both have trail cams simular to yours. Nice to beable to see what is checking out the hen house! Like you did not already know! Hugs...
Posted by: Carol Dee | April 26, 2010 at 12:30 PM
It's like a nanny cam for your chicken babies!! I'm so happy they're safe from predators. Haha, Mr. Raccoon!!
Posted by: Jennifer K. | April 26, 2010 at 11:26 AM
What an intelligent way to spend your gift certificate! I LOVE it! It looks like quite the formidable camera. Your Dad cracks me up. I can just see you prowling around the chicken coop under the cloak of darkness and armed to the teeth in search of 'coons. Get 'em, Tiger!
Posted by: Gabriela (Gabi With An Eye) | April 26, 2010 at 11:20 AM
Hi Dad, and All:
The gap you see in the photo isnt actually a gap at all... that space is filled with wire connected to the top of the fencing, and the 2x4 of the roofing. No gaps. I guarantee!
Posted by: SweetMissDaisy | April 26, 2010 at 10:47 AM
Oh, by the way, I see a gap above the side wall of the fense below the roof. I see it in the last 3 pics, unless you have some finer meshed wire up there, that area is not Racoon proof! just thought I'd mention that before the bandit returns for Mc nuggets. Me, again
Posted by: DK Wight | April 26, 2010 at 10:41 AM
This is awesome, I am totally saving up for one of these.
Hubby's 50th birthday is this year, he may like one of these.
Hugs,
Di
Posted by: Diana Gibbs | April 26, 2010 at 10:32 AM
Congratulations on the "live" Coon shot. According to a North Idaho "redneck" transplant I know they taste a lot like chicken! Better'n possum! Your next step will be sneaking around the place after dark totin' your shotgun wearing a cap with lights built into the brim! They have them down at Bens too. Love, Dad
Posted by: DK Wight | April 26, 2010 at 10:31 AM