How Talented Are Raccoons?

[ThreeOfSeven]

How talented are raccoons with coop latches? Years ago (BC -- before chickens), we had raccoons raiding our bird feeders. Then they disappeared without us really doing anything to repel them. But now, they're back. I'm bringing the bird feeders into the house at night and making sure there is nothing edible for them to get into.

All my doors -- access into the coops, runs, and nesting box -- have hinged hasp latches that are secured with simple carabiners. Is this enough to keep them away from my girls?

 

[IamRainey]

Raccoons are smart, agile and determined. A bad combination for those of us opposing them! ::says the girl who used to watch those little suckers try to get through the defenses on my trash cans::

I think you're good with carabiner reinforced latches. Managing to squeeze and rotate at the same time is beyond them. They don't work cooperatively; just obsessively.

Just don't forget to reinsert the carabiner after you've opened and then closed the latches!

 

[ThreeOfSeven]

Raccoons are smart, agile and determined. A bad combination for those of us opposing them! ::says the girl who used to watch those little suckers try to get through the defenses on my trash cans::

I think you're good with carabiner reinforced latches. Managing to squeeze and rotate at the same time is beyond them. They don't work cooperatively; just obsessively.

Just don't forget to reinsert the carabiner after you've opened and then closed the latches!

They're pretty determined 'lil buggers!

I have one carabiner dangling by a door with a piece of nylon string. Thinking of doing the same with the others. It will be a good reminder to fully set the latch, and I hate it when I drop them, especially if it's dark.

Thanks for your help!

 

[ellenscoop]

Raccoons are pretty good at getting latches open. But I believe it is something like as long as they are 3 steps to them that they can't get in. Here is an infographic though which better helps answer that question for you - http://www.poultrydvm.com/featured-infographic/tips-for-protecting-poultry-from-predators

 

[pennyJo1960]

I would have two latches per coop and not the same that is what I do

 

[ThreeOfSeven]

Just read a BYC thread about this from 2018. I see that some people even use padlocks (with keys nearby) for overnights and others use locking carabiners (spring loaded ones are better than screw type). Nonetheless, a second latch is a great idea!

 

[hayley3]

I use doubled ended snap hooks instead of a padlock.

 

[2hotchicks]

Just read a BYC thread about this from 2018. I see that some people even use padlocks (with keys nearby) for overnights and others use locking carabiners (spring loaded ones are better than screw type). Nonetheless, a second latch is a great idea!

I am one of those people lol. Every opening has raccoon-proof hardware & I added small padlocks to each. Keys hang inside our house at the door we exit to reach the coop. The padlocks are to deter 4 & 2-legged predators.
I have two chickens who are my pets & I'm a little obsessed with their safety - coop just a few feet from our house/back door (thanks byc), small padlocks on doors, perimeter apron, Wyze cameras. Everyone likes to eat chicken!

 

[ThreeOfSeven]

I'm not worried so much about people or kids. Not a lot of rugrats running through our neighborhood. <smile> But I am worried about little raccoon hands and my simple push-open carabiner clips, especially since I have 2 access doors that I can't see from my house. I saw auto-lock carabiner clips on Amazon. I'm guessing that you have to twist and push in order to get them open.

My DH lets the girls out first thing in the morning. He might not appreciate padlocks, and I would hate to lose the keys.

I was checking out the Wyze cameras the other day. Any recommendation in that area?

 

[2hotchicks]

I'm not worried so much about people or kids. Not a lot of rugrats running through our neighborhood. <smile> But I am worried about little raccoon hands and my simple push-open carabiner clips, especially since I have 2 access doors that I can't see from my house. I saw auto-lock carabiner clips on Amazon. I'm guessing that you have to twist and push in order to get them open.

My DH lets the girls out first thing in the morning. He might not appreciate padlocks, and I would hate to lose the keys.

I was checking out the Wyze cameras the other day. Any recommendation in that area?

Admittedly the keys can be a pain. Maybe you could beef up security on the doors you cannot see?
I love my Wyze cameras, they are cheap & easy to use, & I am not tech savvy. I have one in my little coop (I have 2 chickens). The bottom of camera is magnetic so I just stuck it on a metal brace in the coop. I also have a camera outside the coop & run. You can set up monitoring & notifications easily via the app. I am notified if there is any movement or sound in my backyard at night. The cameras need to access your wifi to work. I can be 1,000 miles from home & see my chickens (as long as my phone has service). Great product for the price.