Floppy Fence to Keep Out Raccoons?

[Violet22]

Has any one used "floppy fence" with success in keeping out raccoons? I have chicken wire on the top of my enclosure and never had a problem with raccoons chewing through and getting my chickens. My chickens have been gone for over a year now, (old age) and now I have ducklings. Being a new mommy I am getting paranoid again, and thought about putting up 1-2' of chicken wire all around the top of the enclosure by just securing the bottom of the wire to the top of the enclosure. The theory is, if the raccoon tried to crawl up the chicken wire, it will fold down over him and he can't get in. I've never had problems, but I thought a little extra protection wouldn't hurt. The raccoons and fox live on my property, and I see them every night.....well, not so much the raccoons anymore, so I don't know if the fox have eaten them or not. But the point is, they have always been here and I've never had a break in, but I'm feeling overly protective about my new babies........they are inside for now, and will be for a couple more weeks.......I'll be SO happy when they are outside, they are WAY more messy than chickies!
Thanks!
Caroline

 

[TexasVet]

If the wire folds over on the coon, it'll just back up, grab the edge and hoist itself up. The only thing I've found that really keeps coons out (knock on wood) is to run a hotwire about 6 inches from the bottom of the coop and 6 inches from the top.

Kathy, Bellville TX
www.CountryChickens.com

 

[Violet22]

That's what I would think Kathy........I only read a few things on it, (too busy cleaning up after those messy ducks!

.....I didn't find any chicken or duck owners using it yet, just gardeners who had raccoons getting into their corn, etc., and they swear by it. One guy said they used a stronger wire, but same principle in a big cat sanctuary. So, I don't know..........I am always researching stuff, and thought I'd ask here.

Caroline

 

[Ridgerunner]

It is an interesting thought and I understand the principle. My concerns would be first, the gate. That could be a point of weakness. You could design around that. Can they get in by coming over the coop? They can climb exceedingly well but you could probably design around this. My other concern would be that the chicken wire is not strong enough to stand on its own. Over time or after a few attacks, would it lay flat against the fence where the raccoon would just climb over it? I'd consider a wire a bit stronger but still floopy.

All this is pure opinion. I think it would help if you can handle the possible other points of entry but I don't think it is a guarantee to keep them out. I'd still lock them in the coop at night.

 

[Violet22]

I thought it was an interesting concept too...............just wasn't sure it worked! I can do it over all the doors and coop so I have that figured out, but like you, I was concerned about the chicken wire. I think it would take a beating after a bit and all fall down or become ineffective. I too, was thinking about a stiffer fence material, but I don't know how much "flop" it needs to work...........I won't rely on it, but I think I will do some more research and probably end up doing it, just for curiosity sake! If I had the time I'd set up some trial enclosures and bait them with something irresistible to raccoons(non-living!).....I guess I am just curious about things and like to see if and how things work!