Protecting Chickens From Racoons.

[518chicks]

I've had the same hens for 2 years. And all of a sudden we had a raccoon break into our coop. Our coop is actually an old play house . We put metal fencing in all windows and doors that are re-enforced with screws and thick heavy wood. We put a light on the door and white little lights around the top. We put dead bolts on the door so. But is there anything else to protect my chickens . I would not like to loose them to these pests. ( we also have a trap where they broke in the first time) thank you for your help!

 

[sumi]

Raccoons are very clever creatures, I swear if there is a way in, they'll find it… There is an article here on 'coons with a section on preventing attacks and losses. Links in the text to forum discussions as well:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/raccoon-chicken-predators-how-to-protect-your-chickens-from-coons

Personally, if allowed in your state/area, I'd set a trap with some marshmallows and get rid of the problem. Not pleasant, but from my experience, once a predator identified a food source, especially an easy one like a coop full of chickens, they're going to stick around and revisit.

 

[518chicks]

Thank you for the marshmallow idea!

 

[Gresh]

I would recommend buying a live trap from a feed store, baiting it, and, when you trap the coon (for you probably will), shoot it. Relocation of the coon will only cause it to run into other coons that won't let it coexist with them, or, worse yet, introduce it to someone else's flock. Raccoons are very plentiful and in no way in danger of extinction, so you don't have to worry about killing one.

~Gresh~