Raccoon

[ForestandMoss]

So I am very new to all of this chicken raising. I have officially learned this morning that raccoons love chicken. Learned the hard way.

That fat jerk ripped a hole in the chicken wire, and proceeded to attack 30 of my broiler chicks! Quite a few limbs and wings spread everywhere. Tried a trap, and apparently he is so big, that he was able to keep the trap open with his backside and slide out when he was done eating the tuna we had left out! My father is a retired Game Warden, so he has a few traps he is going to set and hopefully we will catch this ring tailed menace!

Now to be vigilant and keep my other chicks from being made into raccoon feed!

 

[Bear1978]

First problem is you are using chicken wire. As you’ve unfortunately found out, that type of wire offer nor protections against predators. Just good for keeping the chickens in.

I would use at least 1/2in hardware cloth of 19 gauge thickness in place of the chicken wire. If you can replace it I would start with that. Even if the coon is trapped, chances are there will be others and they would just rip through the chicken wire again. Perhaps attach a pic of your setup so those here can offer any other advice on keeping the critters away from your chicks! Good luck!

 

[ForestandMoss]

First problem is you are using chicken wire. As you’ve unfortunately found out, that type of wire offer nor protections against predators. Just good for keeping the chickens in.

I would use at least 1/2in hardware cloth of 19 gauge thickness in place of the chicken wire. If you can replace it I would start with that. Even if the coon is trapped, chances are there will be others and they would just rip through the chicken wire again. Perhaps attach a pic of your setup so those here can offer any other advice on keeping the critters away from your chicks! Good luck!

Thank you for that suggestion! I will definitely look into hardware cloth!

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome!
Wish you had read some horror stories on this site, and good advice, before using that chicken wire! Protect your survivors today, because your predators will return at least every night until all those poor birds are equally torn apart.
hardware cloth, well secured, electric fencing, dig proof, and covered, as a start.
Pictures, we can all help here!
Many of us started this way, and had the same awful experiences, and we learned.
Mary

 

[Bear1978]

Here’s what I just finished as far as how I used the hardware cloth and anti dig skirting. Just it give you an idea.

 

[Ihavesomechickens]

Like said above, chicken wire is your first problem. You should get hardware cloth, as it is really the only fencing that keeps raccoons out. Trapping them would also be good, but not a permanent solution.

 

[getaclue]

Another good solution is to use electric fencing.

 

[ForestandMoss]

Welcome!
Wish you had read some horror stories on this site, and good advice, before using that chicken wire! Protect your survivors today, because your predators will return at least every night until all those poor birds are equally torn apart.
hardware cloth, well secured, electric fencing, dig proof, and covered, as a start.
Pictures, we can all help here!
Many of us started this way, and had the same awful experiences, and we learned.
Mary

Thank you! I wish I would have looked on here earlier!

 

[mowin]

My coop/run is predator proof. Well except for a bear.
Most critters get a pass because they quickly find out they ain't gettin in. Got a mamma fox that "makes sure" the gals aren't accessible every day or so, then ambles on. However every once in a while, a coon or fox just can't except that fact, and they keep trying.

Had a coon last week that wouldn't give up. Causing all sorts of stress for the gals. She didn't get a pass.