New member from SW WA state, checking in!

[neverlost]

Hello everyone! I am wholly new to backyard chickens, and still in the planning stages, not yet having gotten enough education to start getting my hands dirty. I'm excited to have found all of you, and grateful for any and all advice, resources and anecdotes you're willing to share.

My main concern is designing a space that is optimal for the comfort and safety of the birds. I have a friend who tried backyard poultry in her semi-rural home only to find that raccoons and other smaller predators continually wreaked havoc on the poor birds. I am in an older, suburban neighborhood, with an ideal property for a chicken tractor, but really want to be sure that the raccoons that live under the front porch will not find my backyard charges accessible. I welcome all of your ideas and experiences!

Kelly

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, Kelly, and

! Pleased you joined us! If it was me I would do two things. First, I'd do what it took to get rid of the raccoons. If not they will harass your birds nonstop. Secondly, I'd build a sturdy coop with good quality latches and hinges and hardware cloth - not chicken wire. Also, bury the hardware cloth along the perimeter to keep the bandits from digging under. Good luck to you!!

 

[liz9910]

I agree with redsoxs's advice.

 

[drumstick diva]

the raccoons MUST GO. They will never live in peaceful coexistence with your flock. They will also scratch their way into your house some day.

 

[neverlost]

Ok, I have the raccoon situation managed. We pulled up a few porch boards to be sure no one was under there, then sealed the one access into the space with a huge rock so they could not get back in. Thanks, everyone, for the advice!

 

[MsChickenMomma]