Raccoon problem...Help with roof for dog run

[Sg4]

Hey BYC family! So I've been using a 10x10 dog kennel for my coop for a couple of yrs now. Works great for my girls. I have a roof over the top to keep them dry, protected from hawks, etc. Problem is, I have a trash panda (raccoon) getting in thru the top and bothering my sweethearts. He injured one of them a couple weeks ago (shes ok now). I've set a trap but he isn't falling for it. Since they are too clever and can tear right thru the fabric on the cover and slip in, I need some ideas on predator proof rooftop to keep him out. I'm not that "handy" with this type of thing. The outside of the coop is covered in hardware cloth. I'd like to cover the top with it as well...but I dont know the best way to do this? Any advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[BarredRockMom]

I think that if you could possibly post pictures and dimensions, the handy folks on here might be better able to give you some tips.

Until you get the top secured, are you able to lock them up for the nights??

 

[nuthatched]

Hardware cloth, poultry mesh (aka chicken wire) laid across the top, you might need some lumber or rebar to brace it. (heavy duty staple it to the lumber or secure with wire) Double layers overlapping, secured with wire or zip ties, attached with thick wire or the like to the runs' frame.
We had the worst racoon problems when we raised chickens for show...
Oh, some sort of noise maker, like big ol jingle bells so you can her them running amok and hopefully scare them off.

 

[CatWhisperer]

You are using too small a trap or not the right bait if you can’t catch the raccoon. But there will always be more coons. Can you put on a metal roof?

 

[BigBlueHen53]

You say you have a roof, what is it made of? How is the raccoon getting in? You are not handy to build, can you hire help? Pics are really needed so we can offer suggestions.

 

[Criticalicious]

Don't use chicken wire. Raccoons can tear through it like tissue paper.

 

[chickens really]

My kennel roof and you can add wire to the wood.

 

[ellenscoop]

You're gonna need to put wire across the top of it. Here is a good infographic which has details - http://www.poultrydvm.com/featured-infographic/tips-for-protecting-poultry-from-predators

 

[BigBlueHen53]

@chickens really is not OP, right?

 

[chickens really]

@chickens really is not OP, right?

No I'm not...I just posted a picture of my roof and Ducks pen. No raccoon here in my area.