devested to find our flock massacred

[Es_In_Miami]

I am surprised a racoon could get through hardware cloth!

I've seen raccoons break through all sorts of things they should be able to get through. One ripped the bottom off a weber gas grill. Had the entire thing on video.

I imagine the hardware cloth was a heavy guage? Not all are equal. Also, what size welded wire are you using?

Just saw your photo. Definetly not the right material. You need welded wire. 1/2 x 1/2 is best but $$$ Don't go any less than 1 x .5. Make sure it is welded wire and give it a skirt. Lock the birds up at night. That's when they are most at risk. Don't beat yourself up too much. We learn and do better next time.

I'm sorry this happened. Raising chickens also means dealing with loss. It never gets easier.

 

[jandjmca]

You need some type of secure place they can go at night, as they are totally blind at night. My neighbor refurbished an old hay wagon with a ladder and egg boxes that are accessible for eggs

 

[No Coop No Problem]

You need some type of secure place they can go at night, as they are totally blind at night. My neighbor refurbished an old hay wagon with a ladder and egg boxes that are accessible for eggs

I had a mink hit a hen on a nest in some bushes one night while her babies were hatching. She flew off into the night. I thought all of her babies would be dead. The next morning when I went out to feed the chickens I found her walking around with 9 new babies

Yes they're blind at night, but it's extremely hard to catch something that flies away very fast and hides

 

[McChooky]

I bought some very similar (if not identical) to make a covered catio for a couple male cats(1" x 1" mesh) Its attractive but I had to use a staple gun to attach it because regular fence staples destroyed the mesh when I drove them in with a hammer.My coops have the real deal( 1/2" 16 gauge galvanized steel hardware cloth)

 

[MROO]

I am SO sorry! My first thought was dogs, simply because they chase the "squeaky toys" until they stop moving, then drop them to chase another. It's all a game to them.
Tractors are notoriously difficult to skirt, as they have to remain mobile. I recommend covering yours with 1/2 to 1 inch hardware cloth and adding a hinged skirt. Hinging along the bottom of the run allows you to lift it up when you move it and drop it back down on the new site. Is an expensive nuisance? You bet! But it's much better than losing all of your babies again!