coon sizes and relocation - *graphic pics page 3*

[kazoo1111]

how big a size of a hole can a coon slip through our coop has a small opening at the bottom and i want to make sure they can't get in. also if i catch a coon where can i relocate it at.

 

[Judy]

They can get through a pretty small space. if you are concerned about it, you should probably close it up. In most states it is illegal to relocate a coon. They often carry a worm which is very dangerous to people and can be passed rather easily, not to mention rabies.

 

[emsnana]

Coons can dig under the wire and come up inside the yard. You need to bury the chicken wire down into the earth.

 

[quigley257]

The only place to relocate a coon would be underground with a shovel or into a bag in a dumpster. As said before, it is illegal to move them and you would be moving a problem animal into another area for someone else to deal with.

 

[janes flock]

I could not relocate any predator that has gotten trapped in my yard. I have spent too much time and effort into my flock to risk it finding its way back or being a nuisance to someone else. And honestly its much easier to just dispatch the critter and hang its carcass up. It seems to help.

 

[sourland]

If your fist can fit through the hole, it is very likely that a small to mid sized coon can work it's way through. As others have suggested, it is best to make the 'relocation' permanent. They are persistent, strong and talented at working their way into coops.

 

[Orygun]

Hog panel with weldwire attached served us well when we had coon issues. Laid a two foot width along the base of the pens. Discouraged them fairly well. And the spaces were big enough not to catch chicken feet. If I have a coon or opossum I defer to the amazing immune systems of my birds and what early settlers to the area did. I skin and gut the carcass and let them have the meat. They absolutely go bonkers for that fresh protein. And there is a lot less to have to dispose of. we live in a high desert area where summer is short and winters long. Any and all protein sources are welcome in my bird yard.

 

[kazoo1111]

Thanks i'm sad i should just "dispose" of it i'm not big on killing any animals.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

1. ...how big a ...hole can a coon slip through...[?]
2. ...our coop has a small opening at the bottom and i want to make sure they can't get in.
3. ...if i catch a coon where can i relocate it... [?]...

1. Any hole that a coon can get its hand through is too big a hole.

2. See the first answer. But when dealing with coons any hole bigger than a dime is too big.

3. Never relocate a wild animal. If you are not willing to dispose of it then there is little or no reason to "catch" or trap said animal. You are just wising up the animal to the trap and then loosing it onto some other unsuspecting soul for them to deal with. Besides if you do have coon issues, raccoons usually live in loose colonies of from 2 or 3 to maybe a dozen or more. Therefor the desire to return to home turf is strong in raccoons. However up to about 100 years or so ago Christmas dinner was often celebrated with a roast coon and all the fixings. YUM!!! Does that give you some ideas for an old timey Christmas dinner?

Of course there is some poetic justice in feeding the entire coon to your girls especially if you have enough chickens on hand to hide the "evidence" before it spoils.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Quote:
Relocaton is illegal in most places, and a bad idea anyway. If you don't want to kill it, don't trap it