Calling all Raccon experts

[Redhead Hen]

My flock was attacked earlier this week by a raccoon. Took 4 birds. We never had problems with them in the past, but you know how that goes. Since the attack we have been locking up the flock at night. I usually wait out there until everyone is inside just to be safe. The coop itself has locks (lock and key) on the doors so nothing can get in. Our coop/run is along a brush line and we need to rework the run - make it safer for our birds from this new threat. We now know what needs to be done to make a safer run! (Hindsight is 20/20 you know!) I don't mind getting up early to let them out, but I have been reluctant to do so. I will wait until the sun is up and it's pretty bright out - usually around 8 or 8:30am. I don't free range my flock since I am in a small neighborhood (zoned residential/agricultural). I don't need the neighbors complaining or losing my birds in the brush.

My question is are raccoons strictly nocturnal? Also if they are nocturnal, would they be out and about during cloudy days? I know that once a raccoon has found an easy meal, he will be back. I also know that I personally can not catch all the possible predators in my area! With lots of farms and open space here, I just can't see trapping and eliminating them. I just want to keep my flock protected while we get the extra cash together to build a chicken Fort Knox.

Thanks!

 

[The Chicken Lady]

Raccoons are more likely to be active at night. I think they would still be sleeping during a cloudy day.

You're right about the easy meal. It's time to reinforce that coop!

 

[dmdhart]

If you see a raccoon out and about during the day, it definately has rabies! This has been verified to me by the local game warden. If you see one, call the authorities and have them come out and shoot it.

 

[jqs birds]

As a rule they are nocturnal. Raccoons are persistent so if they found a meal they will keep trying even harder this time.
Electric fences are the bast way to keep them away from your pen.

 

[gypsy2621]

Quote:
Thats not always the case, remember game wardens can be wrong.

We have had to shoot pefectly healthy raccons during the day.
yes some were tested because of the day time belief.
I am not saying all raccons are healthy that are out during the day, that would be stupid on my part, all I am saying is they do hunt during the day time.
Young raccoons do not know they are not supposed to be out inthe day time, older raccoons dont care if they are feeding young.

You would be amazed how many nocturnal animals actually come out in the day time. and if opertunity isgiven they will come for the birds.

Red Hen , are you planning on moving the run away from or cutting back the bushes on the side?
remember if you cant see them coming in it affords them ample time to do their dirty work.

Did you ever catch that rotten mink?

 

[aoutback]

Hi,

at 8am my local coon is up and waiting for the outdoor cats to be fed. We are now feeding them in the garage but she has learned our habit and has adjusted hers. She is not shy about appearing and only runs off a few feet.

We have a call out to have her dispatched as we don't have the means to do so ourselves (yet). Shes been doing this for weeks, and is a healthy coon, now w/ kits.

I moved our coop on wheels into the garage last pm as I saw evidence of coon attack on the windows and wanted to reinforce. Building a large run also, but not done. The male (larger) appeared on the coop site 5 minutes after the coop left, not yet dark outside, 8:30pm. Also not a shy creature. Returned 3x when chased off, each time just moving out of view over a sand mound and returning in 1 minute.

Nope, darkness not necessary.
Allie
Sharpsville, PA

 

[Redhead Hen]

I'm usually out in the yard with my human children during the day. And both my husband and I are out after the kids are down for the night. We use our yard quite a bit. We even have a huge garden that the coons have not bothered!

The one I actually saw took one look at me and hightailed it! We don't plan on moving the coop/run because it is pretty cool down there in the summer and the trees keep it sheltered from deep snow or sweltering sun. My husband is planning on making a new and improved coop/run. I told him I wanted hardware cloth all around the setup - at least 18 inches down under ground and 2 or 3 feet up the sides. We also have hardware cloth over the top of the current run to keep out the hawks and owls. But that stuff is not cheap!

So, we are locking them up at night - and will keep this practice after the new coop/run is finished.

I have been a bit nervous and worried about letting them out too early in the morning .... before I get all my indoor chores done before venturing out into the yard. You know? Once bitten ... Twice shy!

I will have no qualms about calling in a wildlife rehabilitator if I see them out and about during the day! My human kids come first and I don't need a bold coon out there during the day when my kids are out playing!

I was just wondering if it was common to have coons out during daylight hours. Thanks again for all the wonderful knowledge!

 

[Equus5O]

Quote:
Untrue.

 

[ivan3]

Raccoons can and will follow a daytime schedule: In downtown Columbia, Missouri, a rash of `break-ins' occurred in older homes converted to housing for MU students. These were taking place between 1-4 in the afternoons (students on campus). Broken windows, pulled out screens, scarfed up Captain Crunch, etc. Finally solved owing to scat on the floor.

Have shot three daytimers over the past eleven years. All were healthy and looking for a meal.

If someone isn't familiar with `normal' raccoon behavior it is best to assume that all are disease vectors until proven otherwise.

 

[deerman]

Quote:
No this is not the case, maybe raccoons with rabies are out during the day. NOT all coons out during the day have rabies. Saw a mother with 4 kits out at noon.

Most do hunt at night, but sometime they move during the day, could be something ran them out of their den tree.

Like deer most are out during the night, but sure most have seen deer during the day.

Have seen most night critters ,out during the day at sometime. Coons,foxes,possum,coyote,deer,bat, and even owls.