Questions about raccoons and opossums

[happymom99]

Hello. I know just about nothing about either of these critters, except that they can be very dangerous to my chickens. Does anyone know if either of these predators would/could climb a tree and then jump down from a tree limb into a fenced area? What about a 6 foot wooden fence? If so, do I need to worry about them doing this during the day or only at night since they are nocturnal?

My chickens will be in a run and coop that will be safe from predators at night but during the day they will be allowed to free-range in a fenced off area that backs up to a big avocado tree and has a wooden fence down two sides of it.

Thank you,
CJ

 

[jjdward]

First of all, you are right, they are both bad for chickens!!!! Had a coon get about 20 of my chickens. I would make SURE the coop they are in is VERY strong. Coons are very strong and persistent.

 

[dacjohns]

Short answers--
'coon--yes
'possum--maybe