Don't these raccoons know they are nocturnal!!!

[Mrs. Feathers]

I live in Canada and we have strict gun laws to start with...which is not a bad thing until apparently one wants to get rid of raccoons

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In our municipality we cannot discharge any fire arms (anything with air compression...no .22 and including crossbows). Farmers with land over 5 acres can apply for a permit and shoot pests and preditors putting livestock an crops at risk. We have less than 5 acres so don't qualify.
I did call animal control this morning when they woke us up fighting in the backyard. They were very helpful and gave me the name of a trapper who willl come out. Of course this has to happen on the Easter weekend

 

[KBlue]

Just a suggestion for getting rid of the raccoons. There is a fly bait on the market called "Golden Malrin" (or something to that effect) Leave a little bit out where the raccoons can eat it. They walk about 20 feet, then drop dead. My mom uses this to dispatch at least 10 raccoons a year from her property. Good luck to you!

 

[ranchhand]

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Mrs. Feathers :

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Hi..thanks for asking...they are still hanging around. I was in the garden talking with my neighbour today and one ran right past her.
I am keeping my cats and bunny in and a close ear/eye on the hens. Our grandaughter is under close watch as one never knows.
The raccoons around here have become so dependant on humans that they seem to be losing their natural instincts and are around during the day. I have a neighbour who actually feeds them!! Argggghhhh....
My hubby spent a lot of effort predator proofing the coop and the girls run...despite this we lost one several months ago to a raccoon when I had them out free ranging. I guess you just do your best.
We have very strict firearms laws here and shooting them is not an option....nor is trapping them and taking them somewhere to shoot them...so to sum it up...no guns = no shooting. We are going to call animal control when the Easter weekend is over if they are still running around here during the day.
Good luck with your chicks!
Is this your first time raising them? I would not be without ours they bring so many positives, great eggs, fertilizer for the garden, companionship...lovely addition...we have done meat birds too. It's all good. Have fun.

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