OMG

[Cesarloveschickens]

Oh my god, I went to go check on my chickens and my goodness there was a raccoon, Yes a raccoon on the back of my coop eating my hen's eggs ( not fertilized ). I'm so happy that it didn't kill any of my hens or chicks but I'm still wondering how it got in because there are only 3 entrances/exits the back where we collect our eggs the side where we clean and the front door. The side would be able to open because it has a lock and you'd have to swing it open, The front which I did leave open to let my hens go into the coop from the run, There were also 4 hens sitting/covering the door. And the last the back door which is how I think it got in. It is a little lower off the ground and has a pretty simple lock on it.S o yeah from now on I'm gonna have to close and lock everything up.

 

[DesertBird]

Oh no, what a close call - glad your birds are okay! Hopefully you can get it all patched up asap. I've heard of some people using "bribery" and leaving some eggs out in the direction they've seen predators come from to keep them out of their coop; maybe you could try that while you get it patched up, or set a trap up? It'll most likely be back tonight. I've also seen people recommend using padlocks so they can't get through it.

 

[BullChick]

Yes, not only do raccoons have thumbs, but they know how to unlock a lock. They are smart.

I really am glad that everything is okay.

 

[drumstick diva]

Raccoons can most likely open any lock except combination ones. I think that's because they don't carry a pen & paper with them to record what numbers work.

 

[N F C]

Yes, not only do raccoons have thumbs, but they know how to unlock a lock. They are smart.

I really am glad that everything is okay.

x2, that was too close for comfort!

 

[Cesarloveschickens]

Thanks for the feedback, I'll be sure to raccoon-proof my coop.

 

[PirateGirl]

I like to put 2 different kinds of latches on everything that can open/close. This way if a one breaks, or is opened, or I forget to latch it, there is a backup. Maybe it's overkill, but it's an easy step to take and not an expensive upgrade. Just last night I went to collect eggs and found I'd forgotten a latch on the egg door, but thanks to my secondary latch the door had stayed securely shut all day through a snowstorm while I was at work. Everyone was safe and warm inside.

 

[WhoDatChick]

Try these... I don’t think a raccoon could open this.. especially two of them

 

[drumstick diva]

I don't think raccoons can open combination locks YET but, they are probably working on it. Too brain they don't use their brains for good, instead of evil.