Consolidated Kansas

[callducklover20]

So any ideas on how to stop a raccoon going thru chicken wire, then wood, then another layer of chicken wire?? It got Daren's silver pheasant last night along with other birds, doesnt matter how much we are reinforcing everything with more wood, wire, and concrete-it is still making it in. Yes live traps are being set tonight but it is making thru everything, panels, wire, wood, metal etc-and the dogs dont even hear it happening which is so surprising since they will bark at a pin drop.

 

[Katy]

Quote:
Chicken wire is for keeping chickens in, not predators out, no matter how many layers of it that you have. 2X4 welded wire lined with hardware cloth is about as secure as you can get, and sometimes that isn't even enough when it comes to coons or dogs.

 

[callducklover20]

Quote:
Chicken wire is for keeping chickens in, not predators out, no matter how many layers of it that you have. 2X4 welded wire lined with hardware cloth is about as secure as you can get, and sometimes that isn't even enough when it comes to coons or dogs.

went thru that too in one of the pens-2x4 wire and lined with hardware cloth. He had a chukar pen lined with three layers of wire a layer of chicken wire 2x4 welded wire then quarter inch hardware cloth and, he lost his beautiful chukar.

 

[Ivywoods]

Quote:
Hawkeye go out with your hubby and decide on a place for the coop. Are you going to use a 3-point post hole auger? What has worked for us in the past is to go out a day or two before the planeed "dig" day. Lay a garden hose out right where you want to dig, and put it on trickle so the water soaks in as it goes and doesn't make such a big muddy puddle. Let the water soak in deeply where you are going to dig. If need be, dig a small "bowl" where you are going to put the post, then let the water soak in through the bowl. Then in a day or so when you dig your hole it will be MUCH easier.

I've had to put fence posts where there used to be an old driveway. It was so hard the auger wouldn't take a bite at all.

Using this method it went right in. Also, when you are digging and the ground is dry sometimes the dirt is so powdery it falls back in the hole around the auger and is hard to get out of the hole. The moisture gives it enough firmness that it will lift right out.

Hope this helps and good luck. Be sure to stay cool in this heat!

 

[chicken danz]

Quote:
Chicken wire is for keeping chickens in, not predators out, no matter how many layers of it that you have. 2X4 welded wire lined with hardware cloth is about as secure as you can get, and sometimes that isn't even enough when it comes to coons or dogs.

went thru that too in one of the pens-2x4 wire and lined with hardware cloth. He had a chukar pen lined with three layers of wire a layer of chicken wire 2x4 welded wire then quarter inch hardware cloth and, he lost his beautiful chukar.

I think a 22 long in the head would fix that raccoon! I keep telling Daren he needs one of my dogs. The coons wouldn't bother coming around then.

 

[chicken danz]

Quote:
Hawkeye go out with your hubby and decide on a place for the coop. Are you going to use a 3-point post hole auger? What has worked for us in the past is to go out a day or two before the planeed "dig" day. Lay a garden hose out right where you want to dig, and put it on trickle so the water soaks in as it goes and doesn't make such a big muddy puddle. Let the water soak in deeply where you are going to dig. If need be, dig a small "bowl" where you are going to put the post, then let the water soak in through the bowl. Then in a day or so when you dig your hole it will be MUCH easier.

I've had to put fence posts where there used to be an old driveway. It was so hard the auger wouldn't take a bite at all.

Using this method it went right in. Also, when you are digging and the ground is dry sometimes the dirt is so powdery it falls back in the hole around the auger and is hard to get out of the hole. The moisture gives it enough firmness that it will lift right out.

Hope this helps and good luck. Be sure to stay cool in this heat!

Not trying to disagree but we have the opposite problem. We have the worst clay soil in Kansas. If it is wet at all it sticks to the auger and acts like a suction cup. Then the tractor can't pull it back up. We can only drill post holes if it is dry. I dream of a farm with a mild climate, great soil, and just the right amount of rainfall.

 

[ChooksChick]

Quote:
Chicken wire is for keeping chickens in, not predators out, no matter how many layers of it that you have. 2X4 welded wire lined with hardware cloth is about as secure as you can get, and sometimes that isn't even enough when it comes to coons or dogs.

went thru that too in one of the pens-2x4 wire and lined with hardware cloth. He had a chukar pen lined with three layers of wire a layer of chicken wire 2x4 welded wire then quarter inch hardware cloth and, he lost his beautiful chukar.

It may depend on how the wire is attached. I use fender washers and screws through 1/2" hardware cloth on all of my coops with drywall screws. This can't be pulled away, and they can't go through the hardware cloth if it's attached in a way that won't come out- staples aren't good enough.

I won't use 2x4" welded wire unless it's the 14 gauge, because the welds always seem to break on the 16 gauge. It doesn't hold together worth a darn. I just use the hardware cloth anymore, secured every 10" with a washer, and only use the welded wire in the runs for daytime.

So sorry about your losses, Daren. That really sucks, and maybe you could get some hot wire up? I know human male urine is supposed to be a deterrent, but I'm sure your predators have gotten far bolder than that. I heard wolf urine could be gotten online to deter, but I think you need a taser.

 

[ChooksChick]

Hawkeye- forgot to answer- on the Polish club, there's one for the US, and it has a forum and includes other crested breeds. The folks there are very helpful and ought to be able to point you to a local-ish breeder.

Callducklover20- if it went through good robust wood, it may not be a raccoon. Have you got access to a game camera? Anyone on here who can loan them one? There's a place that sells 4 wheelers and stuff over by the feed mill in Perry- it's across the intersection to the northeast. They have TONS of wood from big pallets when the equipment gets delivered and it's 2+"x3+" pieces anywhere from 3 to 8 feet long- enough to fram a garage. It may be a good idea to go get some of that for free (big pile, free sign) and frame out some new cages with fresh wood and fresh hardware cloth until more repairs to the big coops can be made. I'd hate to see all of the birds lost before the predator is caught. Good luck!

 

[callducklover20]

Quote:
went thru that too in one of the pens-2x4 wire and lined with hardware cloth. He had a chukar pen lined with three layers of wire a layer of chicken wire 2x4 welded wire then quarter inch hardware cloth and, he lost his beautiful chukar.

It may depend on how the wire is attached. I use fender washers and screws through 1/2" hardware cloth on all of my coops with drywall screws. This can't be pulled away, and they can't go through the hardware cloth if it's attached in a way that won't come out- staples aren't good enough.

I won't use 2x4" welded wire unless it's the 14 gauge, because the welds always seem to break on the 16 gauge. It doesn't hold together worth a darn. I just use the hardware cloth anymore, secured every 10" with a washer, and only use the welded wire in the runs for daytime.

So sorry about your losses, Daren. That really sucks, and maybe you could get some hot wire up? I know human male urine is supposed to be a deterrent, but I'm sure your predators have gotten far bolder than that. I heard wolf urine could be gotten online to deter, but I think you need a taser.

Thanks For your reply Renee. He does use sheet rock screws and a washer on all his screws. We think it is more then one Raccoon at work here. this isn't what he needs as sick as he is. Daren's got a friend coming over later to try and fix this issue, I for one hope it works.

 

[ChooksChick]

Quote:
It may depend on how the wire is attached. I use fender washers and screws through 1/2" hardware cloth on all of my coops with drywall screws. This can't be pulled away, and they can't go through the hardware cloth if it's attached in a way that won't come out- staples aren't good enough.

I won't use 2x4" welded wire unless it's the 14 gauge, because the welds always seem to break on the 16 gauge. It doesn't hold together worth a darn. I just use the hardware cloth anymore, secured every 10" with a washer, and only use the welded wire in the runs for daytime.

So sorry about your losses, Daren. That really sucks, and maybe you could get some hot wire up? I know human male urine is supposed to be a deterrent, but I'm sure your predators have gotten far bolder than that. I heard wolf urine could be gotten online to deter, but I think you need a taser.

Thanks For your reply Renee. He does use sheet rock screws and a washer on all his screws. We think it is more then one Raccoon at work here. this isn't what he needs as sick as he is. Daren's got a friend coming over later to try and fix this issue, I for one hope it works.

A bit back, there was a post from George (I think?) on here that hardware cloth was available in 100' folls from a place in Leavenworth- I still have the number. It was much thicker gauge and WOVEN with finished ends on the roll, so it isn't all dangerous to work with. This is far superior to the hardware store stuff, and it was $40 for 100'. Shall I pm you the guy's number? Kansas Boy got some, and he might be able to tell you if it would be an improvement to your set-up.