Raccoon in our yard! Tell me about electric fences...

[ZaneyMama]

We just moved to our house two months ago, and a couple nights ago, there was evidence of a raccoon in our yard. It spread stuff out of our compost bin, but I didn't see any evidence of it trying to get into the chicken coop.

I have hardware cloth around the entire run and the chickens are locked up tight in their coop at night. I'm thinking of putting an electric fence up either around the entire yard or the coop and run.

I've never dealt with electric fences - how does one actually put one up and what kind of cost is involved?

I also have a 3 year old so I'm worried about him shocking himself.

Thanks!

 

[americancowboy]

you could just trap or shoot it. Cheaper alternative.

 

[Major Buff Orpington]

Electric fences usually run either off a wind generator or straight from a battery. They give one almighty jolt and I wouldn't want a child of 3 going anywhere near it.
We don't have racoons here in the UK but I guess secure housing at night is the only defense. Are you allowed to shoot racoons or are they protected?
MBO

 

[newchicksnducks]

Electric fencers for livestock runs on an alternate current...pulse on, pulse off. You purchase a fencer, or charger, at a size according to how many feet the wire has to run (x the number of strands you want electrified) and how strong of a jolt you want. You need a larger fencer for cattle than you do for chickens, for example. A three year old CAN be taught not to touch an electric fence, but sometimes the way they learn is by touching it in the first place! Any child younger than that, I would definately keep away from the fence. Go to your local TSC or feed store, they should be able to give you more information.

 

[ZaneyMama]

I doubt that we're allowed to shoot raccoon here in Boulder, CO. I'd rather find a way to protect the chickens. What are the other options?

 

[americancowboy]

you probaly are allowed to shoot them since they are considered a nuisance. You could trap it which wont involve a gun.

 

[Dogfish]

Pellet guns do a great job on raccoons, providing you get one in the 1000 fps range.

 

[bayareapilot]

Shooting the raccoon is usually not a good option since while a raccoon has established territory for foraging, other raccoons won't enter its' foraging territory. Better bet is to zap the coon with an electric fence (keeps him away from the chickens) that way he will keep your area as a foraging territory (without bothering your chickens) - which will keep other raccoons from exploring your yard. I say, use their own natural behaviors 'against' them. ;0)

Quote:

 

[huntercf]

For the electric fence you will want to check the amps, that is what kills you not the volts. I have been nipped by an electric fence many times since I was a young child and I sit here writing this. They are designed to shock and not kill, just a little bit more of a bite than putting a 9volt on your tongue.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Here's some info on how they work and how to set them up

http://www.kencove.com/fence/96_Stafix+Electric+Fencing+Manual_resource.php