Proof that staples are not enough!

[rainierlass]

My friend gave me his chicken ark as he had lost his flock to coons.........be sure to attach your hardware cloth with screws and large washers........predators are persistent.......here is the result of hardware cloth and staples........

 

[Noymira]

Wow, I had no idea coons could rip hardware cloth like that! Thanks for the tip, I'll keep that visual in mind when building!

 

[WildChicken]

Is your friend sure that was the work of racoons?

 

[lfreem2]

It is too weird! Those diagonal rips are too perfect and look like they've been sheared with metal shears and then torn open. Looks more like the work of a ticked off neighbor or kids looking for the wrong kinda fun.

 

[Noymira]

Quote:
I kind thought so too, but have no experience to go from.

 

[schellie69]

Quote:
My 1st thought was that looks like it has been cut if you look the hardware cloth is still attached to the wood.

 

[woodmort]

I caught a coon in a live trap and it almost destroyed the trap before I released it. You'd be surprised how incredibly strong a big coon can be.

 

[nhorrin]

Dealt with racoons for years. Both with chickens and in my garden. They are very agile and smart, but I dought they did this damage. Looks like humans to me!

 

[mchl]

I dont think you got coon problems. looks like two legged problem, look for tracks

 

[chics in the sun]

I dunno- I could see a racoon tearing up the staples, but actually ripping hardware cloth? (and in a nice straight line?) I can barely get through it with the metal sheers!