Raccoon raids coop, Chickens won't use it! Suggestions?

[feedstorechick]

A raccoon or two managed to get through my electric net fence and into the coop, killing 5 hens over several nights. The fence is now repaired but the last three hens, will only stay in the coop and fence during the day. At night, they fly over the 42" fence and roost in the trees. Any ideas how to get them to feel safe and use the coop again?

 

[jhm47]

Better start getting them to roost inside again. Coons are excellent climbers, and it's just a matter of time till they discover their new food source has moved to a different location.

 

[SurprisingWoman]

I would probably try retraining them the way you do new chicks.

First I would clean and disinfect the coop and change all the bedding so it doesn't remind them of the trauma.

Then lock them in there all day for several days so they will rebond with it as "home."

Right now their memories are not good ones, I would try to help them make new ones. Maybe giving special treats while they are locked in there for the rebonding time.

HTH