Originally Posted by
GreenDiva 
RACCOON WARNING IN TUCSON. Similar to a tornado warning and just as dangerous......
Hi friends,
Just a concerned heads up for you folks in the Tucson area, raccoons are ramping up population numbers here. As if we didn't already have enough predators vying for our precious feathered creatures. My poor dear friend just lost her entire flock to a coon and she had them in one of the best coops I have ever seen (complete with bay windows). So sad indeed and I am freaked out about them coming for my chicken goddesses, even in the heart of downtown. I do not have a raccoon proof coop yet but someone is going to help me build one, he's not available though for another week. I am praying that they can be spared until he can get here and help me build a fortress.
I moved here from Florida 6 years ago, but didn't get chickens until I came here. You see, in Florida, coons, possum and armadillos are everywhere! With the exception of a wildlife rehab place that fosters baby raccoons, where I volunteered when I first moved here, I have NEVER (knock on wood) seen a coon since I am here in Tucson. They have been rare, "been" being the operative word. But there have now been 2 incidents within a week, my friend who lost her flock (she's out near Tanque Verde) and about 2 miles away from where I live downtown, raccoons were captured at Desert Survivors nursery (on Star Pass Rd) and taken to be released some where else.
Just passing on info if you are in the area so you are prepared and can adjust your coops and locks accordingly. Raccoons are EXTREMELY crafty, cunning, dextrous (paws with fingers that can unlock latches) and have absolutely no mercy when it comes to their prey.
Peace, and good cluck!
Green Diva
The silkies are adorable!
More silkies in more colors already?!! Hmmm....might have to see what this silkie attraction is all about. They certainly are cute. 
