Raccoon Problem

[Heatherella]

We lost two hens to a raccoon the night before last. We have since taken measures to make our coops more secure. It actually opened the hatch door, so we got a better lock.

Anyway, please don't judge but my husband killed a large male that we caught in a Have A Heart trap. We were both so upset by it that we decided never to do that again. We caught another one and relocated it to a wildlife preserve about 5 miles from our house. Neither of these options are ideal, but I can't have raccoons around for a variety of reasons.

I guess what I'm wondering is what the rest of you do to deal with predators. Is it more humane to euthanize them or relocate? Right now, I feel neither option is very ethical. So, should we just leave them be and hope they don't cause any further issues? What would you folks do?

 

[sourland]

For a variety of reasons I prefer euthanasia of PROBLEM predators. Rabies is endemic where I live so relocation is out of the question.

 

[Matejka]

Alot of places, relocation is illegal. Also, potently, why put you problem on someone else.
I shoot predators. Either shoot, live trap and then shoot.

 

[addctd2plnts]

Relocate. It's not wildlife's fault it's attracted to our caged buffet. But when a coop is built very sturdy with electric fencing around the wire fencing and 1/4" welded wire on all sides and top, predators are not a problem. Electric is the key LOL

 

[Heatherella]

Relocate. It's not wildlife's fault it's attracted to our caged buffet. But when a coop is built very sturdy with electric fencing around the wire fencing and 1/4" welded wire on all sides and top, predators are not a problem. Electric is the key LOL

I totally agree with you. It's our responsibility to secure the coops. That said, I have real concerns about the zoonotic diseases they carry, and my kitty who goes outside. I really hate either option. LOL

Relocating is not legal in my area. You need a permit to transport wildlife. I am acutely aware that by relocating I am simply giving my problem to someone else. That feels wrong too! Ugh!

I am thinking we will stop setting traps and just make sure the coops are locked down every night and hope Rocky raccoon and friends realize there is no food source here, and they will move along.

 

[Folly's place]

Yes, securing your coop and run is the most important thing to do. And, don't trap if you won't then shoot!
Your recently relocated raccoon is now trap savvy, and will either return to your place, or raid some other flock, unless things go badly for him in his new location.
In Michigan, relocation is only legal on the same property, or private land within the same county, with landowner permission.
Mary

 

[LeePitts]

I’d kill em. I don’t particularly enjoy killing anything but I’m not gonna feed them

 

[Marie2020]

For a variety of reasons I prefer euthanasia of PROBLEM predators. Rabies is endemic where I live so relocation is out of the question.

As you may know I live in UK. I've never encountered a raccoon before but we have been warned we are about to get them here. I don't have electricity near my coop.

Any pointers would be appreciated. No guns here and wouldn't have a clue how to use one even if we were permitted

 

[Marie2020]

Hello everybody.

I live in UK and we are about to have these critters here

https://amp.theguardian.com/environ...dogs-britain-non-native-pest-invasive-species

 

[Folly's place]

We don't have raccoon dogs, fortunately, but in general, having a safe coop and run matters most for keeping your birds alive.
Raccoons are smart and have hands that can manipulate latches, so good locks matter for the coop too. They can climb, hunt in family groups, and will pull birds apart through chicken wire, for example.
Here they carry a roundworm that can cause serious illness and sometimes death in humans, also rabies, and canine distemper, and of course Leptospirosis.
Once caught in a live trap and released, they likely won't be fooled again!
I'm sorry to hear that idiots have brought either species to your shores!
Mary