How did a raccoon get your chickens? What was the weak spot?

[Justso]

My raccoon came through the top like others. It ripped up a corner of the wire roof and climbed in. I never would have realized it had it not been a small amount of blood when it cut its leg on the wire. I secured the run using the fender washer method. No problems since then.

 

[Birdielee]

They were screwed into pressure treated 2x6's and plywood where it got ripped out. I thought they would be fine - it certainly felt secure. Coop was about 18 months old or so at that point.

This is one reason the coop I am building will have HC sandwiched between boards.

Wow. That's crazy. I guess sandwiching is the only option, really. They're really strong, huh . Thanks for sharing

 

[crowber]

They were screwed into pressure treated 2x6's and plywood where it got ripped out. I thought they would be fine - it certainly felt secure. Coop was about 18 months old or so at that point.

This is one reason the coop I am building will have HC sandwiched between boards.

I wonder if the screws broke down from the pressure treated wood? I know you need certain types of screws for that. Some parts of the bottom of the coop where I'll be attaching the apron are pressure treated so I got some heavy galvanized hammer-in staples that said they'd be okay for that. I noticed the staples labeled "poultry staples" specifically said they were NOT okay for pressure treated, so I got the next size up which were.

 

[hayley3]

I use 1x2 furring strips after stapling my hc to wood. It's cheap and effective...has lasted me for 13 years without a raccoon getting in. The staples can be any size then because the furring strips prevent the raccoon from grasping the edge of the hc.
Also I use a hasp and snap bolt to lock the door, because it's easier to open the door for me.

which is in addition to a slide bolt.

 

[Birdielee]

Oh, good! I just "finished " and am hoping a combo of just those closures will work.