Have to respectfully disagree. Raccoons are indeed very dextrous, but they do not have opposable thumbs; only humans do. But they are very clever, manipulative and determined, and can use their paws and powerful claws and teeth to get into things you didn't think they could!
Did you switch their food "cold turkey" from the chick start to the layer pellets? I find that I have to make a switch kind of gradually. Chickens are like kids about food, they don't like sudden change and are a little suspicious about anything different. So for one week I will alter their food...
:frowHi and welcome to BYC and the wonderful world of "chickening!" Anything you want to know about chickens, just ask - lots of helpful and knowledgeable folks here!