raccoon proof idea?

[LazyMRanch]

Howdy,
I've got the same problem with raccoons. I free-range the chickens and until last summer never shut the coop door at night. Then disaster hit and I lost all hens but one. So...I've been closing and locking the door at night, but that's a pain in the neck.
Here is what I am thinking of doing. I'll build a fly-in door high enough off the ground (5 ft.) so that a raccoon can never in. The coop walls are smooth painted so I don't think a coon can climb up the wall like spiderman. The entry will have a hinged door that will act as a landing platform and will be able to swing up and lock if need be.

You might try the same.

If anyone has any feedback on this plan please let me know.

Regards from the Lazy M Ranch

 

[seminolewind]

Two words, electric fencing

 

[Chook-A-Holic]

Quote:
I completely agree. A properly installed and maintained electric fence is a great asset to an already secure run. Mine is quite entertaining at times. I hear the roo crow, then about 30 seconds later I hear the screams of agony from pain. For some reason I don't even have stray dogs in the yard anymore. Money well spent!!!

 

[twentynine]

Nothing is coon proof forever!

Them guys have all night to figure out how to penetrate you security, the only wy to prevent that penetration, is to constantly monitor and upgrade your security.

A real big help and a good start would be an electric fence.

 

[jenjscott]

well, this post was from a year and a half ago. It was the only post the OP ever made. Hmmmm.....interesting.

 

[Kennyog]

I keep a live trap set by my coop YEAR ROUND! In 09 i caught 17 coons and 1 possum. I try to get them before they try and get in the coop.Works out pretty good.

 

[HappyHatcher]

A good farm dog has worked well for us. So sorry about your loss

 

[WyandotteTX]

If all else fails when it comes to varmits(coons or otherwise) is to set a trap for them on the paths around your property baited with cat food or sardines. Make sure you secure your trap to the ground or the coon when caught will dig out around it trying to get away. I know trapping and eradicating animals is not for everyone but it is the most effective. In the last 15 years we have had two large onslaughts from coons that just about wiped out our chickens. Both times set numerous traps and caught an unbelieveable amount of VERY large coons, most all of them boars. When they first hit us we ended up trapping 18 boar coons and the smallest of them was around 25 lbs and the largest being over 40. Our ranch is out in the country(or middle of nowhere if you would rather call it that). There is not a lot of human activity around and the populations can get pretty large. Dont ever underestimate a coon, they are smart and resourceful and will do anything to get into your coop.

 

[urbhenz]

this exact thing just happened to us. over a matter of 6 weeks each of our three beloved ladies. I'm excited to read anyones suggestions

 

[Belott]

this exact thing just happened to us. over a matter of 6 weeks each of our three beloved ladies. I'm excited to read anyones suggestions

Uh, Hardware Cloth the entire coop!!!