What Size?

[NWChicks]

We're in the process of building our chicken coop. I've been combing this site (and others) for as many tips as I can find on predator proofing our coop but I live in a rural neighborhood where we have HUGE raccoons. As much as I'd like to think we can make our coop secure I also know how smart and persistant raccoons (and other critters) can be. My husband has decided that we'll go ahead and get a trap as a secondary measure but after googling them I have no idea what size would be best! We have seen raccoons here that are easily 60 pounds so I need to make sure I get a trap large enough. I've looked at the Havahearts and the large is reccommended for raccoons but someone in the reviews said they didn't think it was large enough so I thought I'd get some opinions.

What size do you use to trap critters (raccoons specifically) in your area? My little chickens and I thank you for your input!

 

[dacjohns]

A 60 pound raccoon? That I have to see. Everything I've found on raccoons indicates a maximum weight of about 23 pounds. I don't doubt that a large male could weigh a little more that that. Hmm, just looked at the Havahart website and it's claiming 48 pounds for a raccoon. Wonder who to believe, wildlife authorities or someone trying to make a buck.

If you do have 60 pound raccoons I would get a bear trap and sell the raccoon to Ripley's Believe or Not.


For the normal size raccoon the Havahart Large One Door Raccoon trap or a trap similar to it should be sufficient.

 

[theFox]

Quote:
In my book neither.

 

[CityChook]

Hmmm. That's one big animal.

This is not really related to trap size, but remember, once the raccoon is in the trap, you're going to have to find a way to dispatch it. Something to consider BEFORE you set up the trap. We've got some pretty darn big coons in my neighborhood - and they're not afraid of people. But you can believe that I'm afraid of them....

 

[NWChicks]

Well, ok, 60 pounds may be a bit of an exageration and to be honest I didn't ask to weigh him.

However, they are VERY big as far as raccoons go. All I really want to know is how big of a trap do most people use for the raccoons in their neighborhoods? Dispatching it isn't an issue as we already know how to do that part.


ETA: In my defense, according to the Oregon State University the largest raccoon on record was 60 pounds although there are many different weight results all claiming the title if you do a quick google search.

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/html/ec/ec1566/

 

[NateinFL]

I had them break out of a regular sized havahart i got the Large one, like a foot wide, a foot tall and almost 3 feet long. Cost me $100 but it sure has done its job, nothing gets out of this thing.

 

[NWChicks]

Thanks everyone. We'll go with the large I think.