How do I keep raccoons away

[Tesumph]

Awh c'mon guys, don't be ridiculous lol. I've killed my fair share of coons (and coyotes, and rats, and foxes, and deer..); I have absolutely no qualms with disposing of an animal that is harming my own animals or property, especially if they're no longer scared of humans. But that doesn't mean I can't appreciate them as the amazingly efficient and intelligent species they are! I just find it silly to exaggerate intelligent wildlife and make them out like they're monsters (I mean, not like those humans hehe), just for doing what they're made to do, or being able to get through a layer of staples and wire haha. That's all. c:

Also no, we've never had a rabies problem, except a feral cat a few years ago that almost snagged a neighbor. That must be a pain to deal with.

 

[aart]

Quote:
Agrees with Mr Whippy...what state are you in?

 

[Mr Whippy]

I'm in Maryland

 

[centrarchid]

70% of animals infected not likely. Raccoons would go extinct quickly if so high.


http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/pub...-environmental-testing/rabies/rabiesfacts.htm

 

[drumstick diva]

I've heard electrified fencing is a good way to point them in another direction. They are ruthless killers.and horrendous mutilators.

 

[Mr Whippy]

70% of animals infected not likely. Raccoons would go extinct quickly if so high.


http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/pub...-environmental-testing/rabies/rabiesfacts.htm

Not saying 70% of all raccoons in my area. What I said was 70% of the raccons I killed (by my barn, shop, house and outbuildings). What you fail to recognize is, the possibility that sick ones are more likely to boldly go where there clearly are humans and dogs. Likely or not, those are hard data

 

[centrarchid]

Not saying 70% of all raccoons in my area. What I said was 70% of the raccons I killed (by my barn, shop, house and outbuildings). What you fail to recognize is, the possibility that sick ones are more likely to boldly go where there clearly are humans and dogs. Likely or not, those are hard data

Not boldness. Sick ones are likely to have odd ranging habits and be effectively delirious making proper avoidance of threats to them less likely. Most that come into my realm are in the best of health, especially if in condition needed to go after my birds. They also run. Sick ones I have seen which is not many do not even seem to no I am there and I can be very close and in plain sight.

 

[lowflyer]

Not saying 70% of all raccoons in my area. What I said was 70% of the raccons I killed (by my barn, shop, house and outbuildings). What you fail to recognize is, the possibility that sick ones are more likely to boldly go where there clearly are humans and dogs. Likely or not, those are hard data

Are you on the eastern shore of Maryland by any chance?

 

[Mr Whippy]

Are you on the eastern shore of Maryland by any chance?

A lot of chickens there, but no. Northern Baltimore County. And no my name isn't Perdue.

 

[lukemower]

No expert here, but cats will not keep raccoons away. And raccoons can reach through chicken wire and grab a chicken. People have reported on this forum that a raccoon will reach in and grab a chickens head and pull it off to eat it. They are tough animals and they are numerous and wily.

Don't get me wrong. I love animals. All animals. We literally have a conservation set up here complete with assistance from the USDA/FSA. Have had foresters and biologists/bird specialists out in the past two weeks to assist with attracting more and more diverse wildlife (wild turkeys, deer, etc). But this is a wild animal who only wants to survive and is a bit of a nuisance in some areas. They will be shot here if they attempt a chicken meal here. They are smart, strong and agile. Chickens are sitting targets. Given enough time, I think even the most predator proof coop can be breached. Just because we don't see the opening, doesn't mean they won't.

We have a tremendous amount of 'coons here. They are my biggest worry. On the back of our property, on my daily walks, I see THOUSANDS (not an exaggeration) of tracks. The amount of new tracks and different sizes is staggering really. A deer camera set up recently showed several of them in one night. And this is just from one angle. I am less concerned about the red-tailed and Coopers hawks while free-ranging than I am the 'coons. And I don't have chickens yet!

Not trying to scare anyone. Maybe you'll never have an issue with it. But I say hope for the best, prepare for the worst to keep your flock safe.

You were right, raccoons got my chickens 2 months ago when I was away, they came the the netting on top and got out under the chicken wire. we have since then added metal hardware cloth around the entire cage, over the top and in a bowl shape underground. we also added an electric fence and trapped and eliminated four raccoons, we ordered new chicks and the will be ariving this week. the upgrades were quite expensive and I have now spent over $500 on just 6 chickens.