I spotted a RACCOON! We have COONS! Please help. =(

[123RedBeard]

Duke dog-proof traps are under $15 ... Use a baseball bat ... Most places frown on relocating (illegal)

There is probably more than one ... So tightening up your coop is a good start!

 

[bobbi-j]

I agree with the other posters that you need to stat by securing your coop. Unless you are prepared to kill a raccoon (or skunk or opossum), don't even bother with trapping it. Personally, I could shoot one before I could bash it with a baseball bat.

 

[PapaChaz]

Trapping/killing this raccoon isn't going to keep the next one from getting to your chickens - and you never know when the next one will show up.

Fix the coop.

This!

coons are notorious for being smarter than traps a high percentage of the time anyway. Just fix the coop with some hardware cloth

 

[Folly's place]

When you have chickens, sooner or later predators show up, and only a very secure coop will prevent disasters. Most of us have learned the hard way, and it's not pretty for the poor birds that we learn on! Ft. Knox at night, every night, and a reasonably secure daytime run, when your birds have to be in during the day. As when a hawk or dog or whatever shows up. Trap and shoot raccoons, possums, or foxes that persist in trying your coop security, or are too willing to get close. Mary

 

[mothertochicks]

That is so scary! I totally feel you!

What shall we do???

I'm waiting until sunrise.... and then doing what I can to prevent ANYTHING from getting in...

Keep me updated, mothertochicks! I checked on them just now, and they are all asleep.....but... but... BUT!!!

Hi MisfitMarie,

Just wanted to check how are your girls doing and anymore problems with raccoons? Mines are fine, thank God. Since the first time I saw the raccoon ( that night I wrote about), there were 2 or 3 more times that my tenants told me they saw them. I feel very lucky that I built ( hired someone) my coop/run with two layers of wire, one 2x3 welded wire and 1/2" hardware cloth. It is a kind of hoop run. So I guess they couldn't get in. I am still trying to get the electric wire but still need to research some more. I am building a new run and coop in the back area of my property because the current coop/run is not in the best location. It is very expensive to keep buying the wire and hire help, but what wouldn't we do for our chicks? Anyway just want to keep in touch and hope you are doing well too.

 

[MisfitMarie]

Hi MisfitMarie,

Just wanted to check how are your girls doing and anymore problems with raccoons? Mines are fine, thank God. Since the first time I saw the raccoon ( that night I wrote about), there were 2 or 3 more times that my tenants told me they saw them. I feel very lucky that I built ( hired someone) my coop/run with two layers of wire, one 2x3 welded wire and 1/2" hardware cloth. It is a kind of hoop run. So I guess they couldn't get in. I am still trying to get the electric wire but still need to research some more. I am building a new run and coop in the back area of my property because the current coop/run is not in the best location. It is very expensive to keep buying the wire and hire help, but what wouldn't we do for our chicks? Anyway just want to keep in touch and hope you are doing well too.

MotherToChicks,

It's nice to hear from you! I'm glad your chickens have remained safe from predators. Luckily, mine have too! In fact, I haven't seen the raccoon since; however, I also reinforced my coop (lots of layered 1/2" hardware cloth as well-and welded wire) and bought a pellet gun. I was surprised to learn how many of my friends and family adore raccoons. When I told them about the precautions I had taken, a couple of them became fairly upset. But people like us, with vulnreble animals, have a different perspective. Raccoons are downright dirty!

Here is a before shot of the coop, it has since then been reinforced.



And a couple new occupants, my Wheaten Ameraucana pullets, Gin & Tonic. They're such sweeties!