Just spotted my first future predator!

[LDberlinn]

Ahhhh! A Raccoon

eek!

I've yet to start up my coop project however I know now that I'll be raccoon proofing to the max!

Any good raccoon-proof coop tips?

I'll be doing everything to keep that guy away!

 

[KandiandJerry]

they are pretty tough predators but do not use chicken wire because they do chew through it use the cloth wire and also if you are going to use any live traps the best thing I found that works for me is marshmellows. they work. and also I am a racoon hunter with top of the line coon dogs and I use that to catch them and train my dogs with

 

[eggboy]

I recommend trapping or hunting the Raccoons, yes there is likely more than one. If you do not get rid of the local coons you risk forgetting to lock up your chickens some night and the coons will come kill them.

 

[GoChick]

After I chose the site to build my second coop, but before we started to build it, I put a trailcam there for a few weeks, to see what was lurking around at night...

I found out the place I chose could be called Predator Hwy. I got pics of raccoons, fox, opossum, and coyotes. One pic had 4 raccoons!!

So, we built a very safe coop, with a run completely covered in 1/4 inch hardwire cloth, with a 2 ft apron. Even the top of the run is completely covered. Then we fenced the free range area with electrified poultry net. So far, we haven't lost any birds. Pretty expensive, though... But it was either building it this way, or continuously losing birds to predators.

 

[LDberlinn]

Quote:
Thanks! At least I know there is a way to keep both chickens and wildlife alive

I appreciate all of the posts in response too however a no-kill method will be my approach!

What about latches on either the coop door or the run door? Should I go for an actual lock and key (or code)??

 

[harveyhorses]

I have hot wire around my whole run, the gate has two strands, one about 4 inches off the ground the second about 3 ft up, top covered. I can only let mine out when under supervision. Since then, so far so good. The rest of the run has three strands. (it has varied with tree limbs coming down) It is over chain link and hardware cloth.

 

[BlazeJester]

Hardware cloth. They WILL eat a chicken through chicken wire, or anything else that has holes big enough for a coon hand and part of a chicken to get through.

 

[Mattemma]

Never use chicken wire or staples. Keep a trap set 24/7

 

[Oregon Blues]

Yes, make the run raccoon proof. However, it is too early to panic. There are lots of predators who live in areas with livestock that never bother the livestock. Not every raccoon will go after your chickens.

Best be prepared ahead of time, in case one of your local raccoons is a chicken thief, but not all of them are.