How strong is a raccoon?

[laputa]

I am converting an old rabbit hutch into a quail cage, Some of the hutch wall (plyboards) are no thicker than half an inch, and some of the screws connecting the legs and side panels are somewhat loose. The bottom welded wire mesh is also not tightened down yet and can be pulled out from top, which I am going to tighten some with wood stoppers.

I wonder how much extra work I should do to strengthen this thing so it is predator proof? I could go extra miles but just the time spent and cost also goes up so I don't really want to overdo this thing for what may be unnecessary. Just want enough structure strength to withhold raccoon's pushing/pulling.

Any suggestion?

 

[citalk2much]

I would go the extra mile. They are strong and creative nasty things!

 

[pipermark]

yea what they said.

 

[laputa]

Thanks, umm, maybe I shouldn't had bought this old rabbit hutch and should go for a stronger built model lol. More work to do.

 

[cawooduck]

Welcome to BYQ Laputa, or should i say neighbor!!

Coons are extremly strong for their size, i have seen where a big ol' male raccoon bent heavy gauge roofing tin back like a candy wrapper so it could kill some chickens. I have also had a pretty good sized coon tear up my live trap, it actually ripped the heavy gauge wire apart, but it didnt get out before i seen it. They are very smart, agile, tough and fearless creatures that can cause great damage in little time at all.....................Jason

 

[laputa]

Thanks neighbor!

Now you just made me start to shake...

as if I can visualize what you described happens on this shaky hutch. I thought about covering the hutch with a layer of 1x1 hardware clothes would be pretty good, but now you just said they can even rip heavy gauge wire apart, I am really not sure if I should stick to this $50 old rabbit hutch and strengthen it, or should I invest more for a stronger model and work on that.

On the other hand, I am pondering how much risk I will be facing. The place I live is fairly rural, I did see possum like a dozen times a year in our backyard (mostly in winter time for some reason), but has only seen a single raccoon once after I moved here for more than 4 years. It appears they don't visit here often enough. Or maybe that will change after they smell some birdies?

Can they actually locate quail by smell from a few blocks away, or they just take a random route and try to savage whatever food they come upon on their way?

Anyway, good thing is I still have no quails yet, and have plenty of time to do the homework.

 

[kingmt]

I don't think they are a smell & seek kind of critter but more of an opportunity eater. They travel close to buildings & check out the nucks & crannies. The 1/2" plywood should be fine but unless it takes a key if you can open it they can also.

 

[citalk2much]

I watched one pick a hook and eye lock to try and get a squirrel that was in the cage recovering I found it funny until he got it then I was after him I made my DH get up and put at different lock on it with a pad lock!

 

[tiffanyh]

Smart and strong....sure that kennel up!

 

[BlackBart]

I caught a Raccoon in a live trap. (either a Raccoon or a Wolverine

)
The step plate was 3/4 inch plywood, he chewed it to shreds.
After it was toast, he strong armed himself out of the drop down door.
I thought the door could only open one way, not so said the Raccoon.
The live trap didn't work correctly after that and the Raccoon never came back

He must of been a huge one! so, Yes, I would say they are very strong.