Advice wanted from NON-trigger happy folks please...

[teach1rusl]

Quote:
Diddo. A better title would be something like "Raccoon problem, non lethal advise please"

trigger-happy definition ☆ trigger-happy (-hap′ē)

adjective

1.inclined to resort to force rashly or irresponsibly
2.ready to start a war at the slightest provocation; bellicose

Read my post guys. It was written to solicit advice for alternatives to shooting, because I only believe in killing an animal as a last resort. Some people feel it is a FIRST resort, and I wasn't asking for those folks' opinions, nor was I insulting them. I feel that my title is appropriate.

If it helps, I view "trigger happy" as "inclined to resort to force (killing something) rashly/impulsively."

 

[suburbanminifarm]

God those little guys are cute. Amazing picture. I'd have to restrain myself from feeding them pie and giving them names.....
Maybe try a few snap-type mousetraps along with the ammonia? I mean untill you get the electric fence up. Seems like it would scare but not injure them (?)

 

[Karen_at_LittleBrook]

First I want to say IMO GOOD FOR YOU for not wanting to shoot first and ask questions later!!!

Nature is what it is. I dont think anyone should be offended, tho. It's easy for some people to dispatch animals and for others its something they would never do. I'll be honest, I was a bit shocked at some of the stuff I read on here when I first found the forum... stuff that made me sad and a little sick. There are folks on here that are at the ready to do what they feel they have to and give detail and express enjoyment at doing it. And there are others that dont want to, but feel they have no other choice.... I mean really, if your going to go through the trouble and time of setting a have-a-heart trap and ya catch something..... why not relocate the critter rather than shoot the poor trapped thing? If I found baby racoons in my yard I wouldnt kill them. If I found a big ugly snake near the coop I wouldnt kill it either. I would call ENCON or relocate them. I had a bunny problem in my gardens... I bought some cheap chicken wire and put up a fence. Problem solved! And I can still enjoy watching the mother bun's and their babies play in the yard... Live and let live.... to each his own.... Do what ya gotta do.... we're all friends here

 

[ranchhand]

Raccoons are frequently seen out and about in daylight. Not abnormal behavior at all. I've seen it all of my life. They do tend to be MORE active at night, but a raccoon out in the daytime is not unusual. But is one acts "off" or weird, call Animal Control or the local law enforcement immediately.

There is no 100% guaranteed way to keep them away from chickens, but reinforce all you can and hope for the best. Trap if you'd like, but for every one you remove another moves in.

 

[gryeyes]

For the offended folks, well, if the holster or scope fits......

Anyway, I find it really hard to consider dispatching an animal which hasn't done anything to harm me or mine. Once my chickens, dogs or cats have been injured on my property, that's a different matter.

I really like the electric fence idea, and may soon decide to utilize one for my run. So far, the Nite Guard lights appear to be working well. For one thing, I used to have heavy raccoon predation of my fish ponds, but now, nothing. My landlady lives in the front house and I live in the second house on her acre property. She's nearest the road; I have to drive through a chain link fence and gate, down a gravel driveway, to get to my house. Despite her proximity to a rural highway which is heavily traveled, SHE has raccoon and skunk problems. I did, too, before I got the chickens. I can only attribute the predator absence in my yard to the Nite Guard units.

I feel for the OP's consternation about the baby raccoons. Poor things. Yah, if they survive on their own, they'll probably become predators. Hike up the security on the chicken run as best you can. Good luck!

 

[EweSheep]

I had that dilemma when the momma was killed and left behind four little cute buggers! Didn't have the heart to kill them so I called the wildlife lady out in the park to take them in.

So she did come out and took them. Four less buggers to deal with when they get older!

 

[kuntrygirl]

Quote:
Will the chickens be able to sleep with a radio playing?

 

[redhen]

Awww! Take them in and make them pets!!!!!!!!

 

[EweSheep]

Quote:
Are you KIDDING me???!!!!!!!! Those paws can get into almost anything including garbage cans!

Yep I am one of those trigger happy folks too but babies are something else.

 

[Lorije1]

First I have to admit I giggled at the disgruntled posters complaining about the title when the first line clearly said "don't read here" lol

Mothballs may also give some temporary relief. the reality is if mama 'coon is gone, these babies are learning way early where to find an easy meal and to not be afraid of dogs / humans. You need to make their visits traumatic enough that they learn to not come back.... ie chasing them with banging pots and pans, shaking penny cans (7 pennies in a coke can) - you can even throw the penny can at them without causing physical harm. Perhaps getting a citronella or some sort of spray used to fend off dog bites (not mace or pepper) .....

and certainly an electric fence. The chickens can sleep with the radio on.... but they may have nightmares depending on your political persuasion

ETA- growing up we had 2 pet 'coons. They, like any other wild animal, are not designed to be cuddly pets into their adulthood. Adorable babies? Absolutely! Fierce biting machines as adults (particularly when frightened or angry) - wow, you just can't even imagine!!