Digging Raccoons?

[egzactly]

Do raccoons typically dig their way into a coop/run or do they more often get in through other methods?

 

[Olive Hill]

Depends on the modes available to them. If it's easier to climb (no roof), they'll climb. If it's easier to bully their way through the wire, they'll bully their way through the wire. If it's easier to dig, they'll dig. They're opportunists, not specialists.

 

[darkmatter]

Quote:
I've seen the raccoons climb, I've found the foxes prints where digging holes were at, I've seen a fox jump over a three foot fence. I've heard that foxes can climb over a fence, but haven't seen it myself. Dogs will dig and paw open a gate when persistent. A large determined Dog will tear though chicken wire.

 

[victoriamarie1138]

Is there a way to prevent raccoons from digging under? I was talking to my grandma, who used to keep chickens, and digging 'coons was the reason they finally gave up. Apparently East Texas 'coons really like chickens.

I just don't want to end up with the same issue if I can help it. The one I'm building is going to have a roof (probably solid, not wire) so they won't get in that way, and the base of the cage is going to be 4x4s.

 

[Olive Hill]

Bury fence around the base of your run.

That said, the most effective way to keep coons out is to have a coop that you close the chickens up inside at night.

 

[bakerjw]

I'm ever increasingly becoming a fan of electric fencing. It is cheap and less labor intensive than burying fencing. Then there is a sick side of me that does take some delight in knowing that when it works some raccoon is going to get a nasty zap to the paw. You can always ensure that lessons are learned by putting marshmallows on the wire.

 

[Brindlebtch]

Electricity and coons is a good combination.

 

[Katy]

Coons as a rule don't dig under something...they climb over the top or tear their way in. They will force their way under a fence if it's not fastened down.

 

[victoriamarie1138]

We're actually putting the coop on the property of a farmer whose land is adjacent to my boyfriend's; our POA frowns upon keeping poultry.

And I don't think said farmer would appreciate us running any wires through his cow field, so that's out.

I'll bury the fence in a bit and hope that works. And maybe the 'coons aren't as mean here in VA!