Getting ready to build the coop and need to raccoon proof!

[mrbstephens]

So, we're building tomorrow and need advice on how to raccoon proof. The chickens will be locked up in the hen house for the night (the run is for daytime use only). The coop will be 2' off the ground and will have two window, a vent, two doors(one for the chickens and one for maintenance), and the nesting boxes accessed from the outside through a door. Lots of doors and openings that need to be raccoon proof. I've had a raccoon in my garage and house a couple of times and my garbage was dumped over recently. There's definitely a problem here. Thanks.

 

[saddina]

First use hardware cloth instead of chicken wire, you do not want the pests to get thier arms in the coop.

 

[hobbyfarmrookie]

Buy an English Foxhound, you will not have coons. If one come around you will know because they can seriously HOWL but nothing will be around. Seriously get a dog that will protect your chickens.

 

[str8shootergirl]

Definitely use hardwire....cover the vent with it as well....staple it secure..no loose openings (learned my lesson)...and close windows at night....and don't just get a hook latch..get something that can't simply be lifted, but you have to actually pull and lift..or something like that.

 

[str8shootergirl]

...errrr...that was hardware cloth..not hardwire...lol

 

[Peeplperson]

Keeping in mind that a raccoon can open anything a 2 year old can, use small padlocks on all openings - a sliding bolt lock will not be secure. I hang the matching key on a teacup hook near the locks.

If a raccoon figures out how to use the key, I'm taking it on the road with a new career

 

[Uppity Peon]

Staple the edges of the hardware cloth and then screw srips of wood over the stapled edges to help hold the staples in.

I like dogs too but obviously they must be trustworthy around your birds.

 

[CityChook]

Put that hardware cloth on all windows and vents. I prefer to screw it on with washers vs. stapling it on. I would be concerned with staples coming out. Raccoons are very strong. Make sure your doors are solid, well braced and can not be flexed. If they can, put a latch at the top and the bottom (or corners, whatever). You will need locks for those latches. Some folks use carbiners, but my youngest can open them no problem, so I think a coon could probably do it too - I'm not waiting to find out. I use luggage locks on the pop door and human door. Put one on your egg door too. Usually, luggage locks come 2-4 in a package and all share the same key. You'll get a few extra keys to put away. Hang the key by the door.

For the run, use hardware wire and bury it at least 12 inches. Some people even put broken glass in the trench to deter diggers. Put a cover on your run to discourage hawks, climbers or jumpers.