How big of a hole raccoon?

[ChickenThunderdome]

We are using a dog kennel 10x20 for our run. We have hardware mesh as an apron and then mesh going up 2-3 feet on the sides so nothing can reach in. I've also got the roof completely covered with other kennel sections and any spots that were large enough to fit my fist(man hands lol) I have covered with hardware mesh.

The only gaps left are the size of the kennel fencing gap..

Have I done enough or? Mainly worried about raccoons, we do not have mink in this area.

 

[cavemanrich]

That sounds like Raccoon proof to me.
If raccoons frequently visit your run, I suggest you install an electric Hot Wire. Then bait it so raccoon gets attracted to it, and then TASTES THE JULES. Use bacon strips, or chicken skins. Raccoons are smart, and DO AVOID HAZARDOUS AREAS. I know that once a raccoon is caught in a live trap, he will not enter another one. I do have a solution for the trap educated raccoon though.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, and

 

[casportpony]

I read somewhere that a raccoon can get through a 4" x 4" hole, but not sure if that is true or not.

 

[50-45-1]

http://www.dpr.ncparks.gov/mammals/view.php?species_id=76

It sound pretty racoon proof. However just because you dont see weasel does not mean they are not there.
I have had chickens for 50 years and had a weasel problem twice. I have never seen one here except for these 2 times.
First time in winter about 14 years ago. he found a knot hole that i thought was not a problem as only a mouse could fit through it. He killed 7 chickens in about an hour.
Second time was last fall. He found a way under my hardware cloth barrier burried in the ground. He killed 6 chickens including my broody and her 3 chicks.
They are devestating when they gain entrance.
If your chickens are locked up tight after dark in a secure coop. You should be ok. Mostly weasel is a night time killer.

 

[The Dapper Duck]

Mainly worried about raccoons, we do not have mink in this area.

You almost surely do if there are any creeks or ponds around. And weasels are found in dry areas.

 

[llombardo]

If you have any gaps, leave exposed wire there. I did that because I was worried about the small gaps by the gate. Something tried to get in and I saw the scratch marks on the wood, along with lots of blood. The hardware cloth did a number on whatever it was.

 

[tn_artist]

We are using a dog kennel 10x20 for our run. We have hardware mesh as an apron and then mesh going up 2-3 feet on the sides so nothing can reach in. I've also got the roof completely covered with other kennel sections and any spots that were large enough to fit my fist(man hands lol) I have covered with hardware mesh.

The only gaps left are the size of the kennel fencing gap..

Have I done enough or? Mainly worried about raccoons, we do not have mink in this area.

I had an enclosure built (for cats). It is wrapped in 2"chicken wire. A mama raccoon and her two kids got in too eat the cats food. I had to repair two holes, ripped through the wire! I would say that each home was no bigger than 4x4 or 4x5. Would have never guessed they could tear the wire.

 

[cavemanrich]

2"chicken wire

If you read enough posts here, you can easily understand, that chicken wire is only sufficient to KEEP CHICKENS IN. There are countless posts that state the FACT. Raccoons will eat thru chicken wire with LITTLE EFFORT.
You should consider it a good thing, that your cats were not harmed.

 

[archeryrob]

I have had chickens for 50 years and had a weasel problem twice. I have never seen one here except for these 2 times.

To expand on what he said, I have never seen a Fisher in my life (51) and I spend a lot of time hunting and in the woods. Two years ago I made Deer Lolly pops as a test from sugar and molasses. The deer never really liked them by I got a picture of a fisher standing up and licking the thing. It was 2' off the ground and he was standing up and licking it. That is one big weasel!! If he found that coup and could get in he would shred our chicken.

I build to prevent them and raccoons that could figure out a latch and no problem yet. Weasels will exploit small holes and coons are just very smart.

 

[tn_artist]

If you read enough posts here, you can easily understand, that chicken wire is only sufficient to KEEP CHICKENS IN. There are countless posts that state the FACT. Raccoons will eat thru chicken wire with LITTLE EFFORT.
You should consider it a good thing, that your cats were not harmed.

The cats have a cat door into the shed. The raccoons just wanted the high protein kibble. I don't like them though. A mama and kits killed a tiny orange kitten that showed up on our porch in TN.