Coon proofing a run and coop - what're your tricks

[Rouen]

Great tips everyone.
I dont have any interest in killing the coons, I can't say the same for my dogs though. Both of my dogs interact with the chickens, so them harming the birds is not an issue.
I'm going to use washers and screws to secure the fencing, those barbed wire staples are a pain to use. I've also got some aluminum sheeting I could use along the bottom, although that would make checking on them a little more difficult. I would imagine cable ties would hold it well enough, the only concern I'd have is if a coon started chewing the ties.

 

[R_Chickens]

Quote:
If you're talking about plastic zip ties, those will protect from a coon for about 45 secs.

You could buy a roll of wire smooth wire and cut small pieces to tie the wire. Tip: After twisting the wire, use a set of needle nose to twist the end of the wire in a small loop so the ends of the wire are not exposed to catch or scratch you.

- JC

 

[pawsplus]

Quote:
You can get stainless steel cable ties--they are AWESOME!! So much faster than dealing w/ twisting wire (which I have done a lot of in the past!) and very strong. They come in several sizes, too.

 

[dawj]

I found boxes at Home Depot for 8.99 per 100 of fender washers. my 10x10 I used about 300+ I think Remeber to make a skirt on the ground and just like bird feeders make sure there is no food in run to attract the nasty coons. They love my bird feeders. NO STAPLES they are for looks not security.

 

[texasgal]

Quote:
You are wrong .. I was shocked when a coon was able to pull hardware cloth off of a cage held with heavy duty staples... I even tacked it back with nails bent into staples.. same thing ...

I now sandwich my hardware cloth between two boards also ... so far so good...

 

[bburn]

I hate racoons.

No sign of racoons here for a year.

Then one night one got in and killed my cochin momma.
The next night one of my barred rock hens.
Then the trap.

We caught a racoon the first night.
Then a possuum.
Then two ferel (really, ferel) cats.
Then another racoon.
And once again a racoon.

No losses for several months. Adjustments were made each time to the coops and runs.

Then last week. The corner coop where we had a loss before. Security had been beefed up already and I felt we had done a good job. I was wrong. It breeched the one spot I missed on top at the side. How it could find the one spot I don't know....but they can.

Traps set again and a huge racoon was caught. I do not believe that was the only racoon because of the damage that was done. It just did not make sense.

We have worked on the coop with me hanging out the bedroom window because I cannot go outside because of foot surgery. But my DH and SIL worked on it. We are still setting traps nightly. We lock up tight every night now. I put my first hatch of chicks in with the big chickens and worried about them getting pecked on, but they have done well and intergrated into the flock well. One did crow the other day and I am going to have to get him out pretty quick before the rooster becomes an issue.

There is no worse feeling in the world than to have a racoon get your babies!! Each time I think this time we are secure.

I have a friend that built his coops and runs and asked me to come look and see if there was anything else he needed to do. What a smart fella! He bought used chain link and covered the top of his runs with it. Talk about Ft. Knox. Still trying to talk my DH into doing it for me too!!

Do everything you can think of!!!!

 

[R_Chickens]

Quote:
Thanks for the posts about the staples. My wire on the coop is on the inside, so they would have to push the wire.

I am finishing up plans for the run, will take the advice about the washers. I hadn't read about them until after the coop was done

Nails or screws? What length are you using?

Guess that's why we read and share here

Thanks.

- JC