Once and for all Coon Deterrents PLEASE

[cristina]

I am fully aware that it's not IF predators come, it's WHEN. With that said, I am so frustrated with the relentless and aggressive raccoons in our neighborhood. We've lost quite a few chickens in last few weeks, some during the day (rabid coon, I'm guessing, since we spotted one the day prior). Anyway, I've secured the coop and run the best way I know how (short of pouring cement 2 feet underground, which is my next step). The hog wire that encloses the run is buried 18 inches below surface of ground, the coop is secured with latches and locks, and last night's attack shows the predator ripped the chicken wire of the coop (I had just staple gunned it last night again to reinforce). Anyway, any other new and fresh ideas? I'm thinking a guard dog. Anybody know of any low-maintenance breeds that can stay outdoors year round (I'm in Long Island, NY). How affective are motion powered lights? Will they actually deter a coon? While I don't want to invest a fortune into securing my girls (and sometimes boys), I really want to maintain a flock... I now only have 5 chicks left, one of which we hatched ourselves, and I'm scared to put them out (they're currently in the garage).

One of our attacks seemed to have been rats and coons conspiring together...hogwire was eaten through by rat (I'm assuming), letting the raccoon in to feast on my birds. Also, often times the chickens' bodies are missing...just feathers. What else could it be?

Thanks Chicken-lovers

 

[TheGoldenGirlz]

A dog isn’t a cheap, easy, or good fix for protection in most cases. Maybe look into a hot wire

 

[bobbi-j]

If your chickens are in a coop and run, a few strands of electric wire around them would be most effective. It's relatively inexpensive, you don't have to feed it, water it or make sure it has all it's shots. It's always guarding your coop and fairly easy to set up. When we have sweet corn, we put up 5 strands of electric to keep the coons and deer out. One about 4" off the ground, the next 3 or 4 about 8" apart. I would give it some serious thought if I were you.

 

[lazy gardener]

FYI, the staples from a staple gun will not hold any kind of wiring secure from being ripped off. You need fencing staples for that.

Agreed with BJ, electric wiring will be your best bet.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

A secure run, using heavy gage welded wire or hot wire, will keep predators from eating the birds. Once they know they don't have an easy meal will move on to better feeding grounds.

 

[Rocky Rhodes]

Trap them and shoot them or just sit up with a strong flashlight and a .22 with a scope or a shotgun with #6 shot. A dead coon will not kill chickens.

 

[bobbi-j]

Trap them and shoot them or just sit up with a strong flashlight and a .22 with a scope or a shotgun with #6 shot. A dead coon will not kill chickens.

While this could work, it's not the best option for everyone. When people live in town, they cannot sit up all night to shoot them. Some people have jobs where they have to get up in the morning. Also not an option. Trapping and shooting could happen, but you'd have to transport the cage an animal out of city and town limits. Not always doable either. In circumstances where people can't lethally dispose of their animals, electric fencing is a very, very effective deterrent.

 

[llombardo]

I noticed that you said chicken wire, do you mean actual chicken wire or hardware cloth?

I just spent the last 2 hours laying down an apron.the enclosure is 20/25. I got 3 sides done and I used 100 staples in the ground so far. I used about 100 zip ties, still have to drill screws in.

Now I'm concerned about the actual coop because it's a pre fab and it is stapled. I've pushed on it and it seems sturdy, but now I think I'm going to put another layer of hardware cloth on the outside along with an apron around the coop.

 

[Fishkeeper]

They can't get through hardware cloth if you cover everything up. Chicken wire isn't predator-proof at all, it's meant to contain chickens.
Electric fencing will do the trick.
Killing the coon will deal with that single predator, but coons breed, you'll have another one turn up sooner or later.

 

[Folly's place]

Hardware cloth, securely attached, with woven wire on top. Fence staples, and then boards screwed into framing on top. NO chicken wire!
Electric fencing with a strong charger is your friend.
Trap and shoot if possible where you live to get rid of your current raccoon family.
Mary