Raccoon proof coop

[Zzil09]

I am new to keeping chickens and as my babies are getting ready to live in their coop/run I am getting more and more nervous about the raccoons getting to them. We have 4 chickens we are keeping as pets not for production. Every night/morning there is evidence of raccoons, they get on our deck all the time, have scrapped with the dog twice, lights don’t bother them, they are always digging in the mulch around the house. I have even hear raccoon fights several times at night.
Anyway as far as the coop goes we got one from a friend for free making chicken keeping affordable for us this year. one of my main concerns is that it is made out of 1/4” plywood. Should that be reinforced? I have used an air nailer to overlap and staple the hardware cloth in the run. In addition to the air staples I have either sandwiched It with wood or I will use washers to further secure the hardware cloth. We did put hardware cloth under the run. And are adding hasp/ with Carabiner to the existing latches. Any other suggestions? Is 1/4” plywood too thin? If so how do I fix it without building a whole new coop? We have contemplated running a couple electric Lines around the bottom exterior. Is this overkill?

 

[Zzil09]

If you could consider the entire structure as their coop, and have the door (where is it?) to the 'run' open all the time, then there's more space, ventilation, and in winter, rolled vinyl sheeting over the lower walls will make it comfortable.
That roof is concerning; is it framed with snow load in mind? Either fix it now, or get out there at 2am during snowstorms this winter...
Mary

I like the idea of having the whole structure work as their “coop” as long as it’s secure enough. The roof is not what I would have chosen either... I am sure I will do quite a bit of wee hour shoveling! I guess the upside to be given a coop is that it is free, sort of, and I am learning all the things I want to do differently for the next one.

 

[rosemarythyme]

It’s only 1/2”

IMO 1/2" is fine for coons, they can attack by reaching through fence openings but obviously their little hands are bigger than 1/2". 1/2" hwc also generally is made of thicker wire than 1/4", so a little better against larger animals that are trying to breech.

 

[Big Doggie]

IMO 1/2" is fine for coons, they can attack by reaching through fence openings but obviously their little hands are bigger than 1/2". 1/2" hwc also generally is made of thicker wire than 1/4", so a little better against larger animals that are trying to breech.

I agree. 1/2” is strong especially when it’s screwed in. And by all means zap em and forget em with an electric barrier. I have a system designed and marketed for dogs but it delivers a jolt and a half.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome!
Pictures and actual dimensions of your coop would help here. That flimsy plywood won't do a lot to keep anything out, true.
Electric fencing would be a good addition to your security , if it's set up right, and has good voltage.
Mary

 

[Folly's place]

You should add a floor over that hardware cloth, and then bedding, because wire is not good footing for the chickens,and they want to dig and scratch through stuff. Plywood? Rubber stall mats? Sheet vinyl flooring?
Be ready to shovel snow off that roof, it really doesn't have enough slope, at least that's how it looks.
It's a good start though, good for you!
Mary

 

[humblehillsfarm]

It’s only 1/2”

I always ere on the side of redundancy. I think I'd cover the existing cloth with 1/4" at least for the coop itself. It's mostly unlikely that a coon will attack in they daytime while they are in the run but not impossible.

 

[Zzil09]

Thank you for all the advice. We are going to go ahead and electrify it for peace of mind and a good night sleep!

 

[M Brennen]

It’s only 1/2”

I am told 1/2” will keep things out. That’s what we went with. The electric wire is a good idea for not only raccoons but bear.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

What's the size of the hardware cloth? I've read only 1/4" and smaller will prevent tiny paws from reaching through. After my coop barely survived a bear attack I also set up electric surrounding the coop that I turn on at night. The bear has returned twice and not touched my coop so I can only assume it is working. My only regret is not getting electric sooner. It's your first and most important line of defense (in my new humble opinion) for any chicken coop. Hopefully in most cases the shock would scare away most curious critters.