Raccoons are smart.

[Dailypix]

I am a new chicken owner. (I can see why they are such lovely creatures). We let them run free in the day but at night I have a secure coop surrounded by an electric fence on our rural property in Northern Ontario. Lots of predators. A big family of Raccoons keeps getting into the compound through the electric fence and testing the locks on the coop. Fortunately, the security is strong. I set up a camera to monitor the situation. Two days ago one of the animals got a shock and ran away. I felt good. Last night I noticed one climbed the tree, turned off the power and let his buddies in! All this time I thought it was me who stupidly forgot to turn on the power before retiring.

 

[Bryant Redhawk]

Yep, they are smart and can figure out how to get into just about anything. I've seen them open twist locks, spring latches and make a raccoon ladder to get into places you wouldn't think they could climb.

 

[KikiLeigh02]

Raccoons are very smart, determined, and persistent. So glad you aren't underestimating them! Could you put a lock box around the controls maybe?

 

[Folly's place]

That is amazing, but they are smart for sure.
Mary

 

[Susan Dye]

Raccoons are very smart, determined, and persistent. So glad you aren't underestimating them! Could you put a lock box around the controls maybe?

Just be sure to take the key in the house at night

 

[lazy gardener]

Sounds to me like you need to revisit the electric fence. Is it grounding out? Is the ground rod adequate, and are you keeping the soil around the ground rod nice and moist? Are you keeping all vegetation clear of it? Is there a tree overhanging the fence that they can use to drop down into the yard past the fence? Are the wires close enough? Generally, 4" apart for the first 2 - 3 strands, then 6", then 12" increments should do it. Are you testing the fence? Is it generating enough power to curl your hair?

 

[Bryant Redhawk]

I prefer to use at least a 10 joule charger, I put the wires on the outside so the chooks can't get to them. In the case of a predator trying to get into the area, I want to see them smoking as they stagger away.

 

[Noellereagan]

Raccoons are smart enough to figure out that the fence is plugged in and that’s what electrifies it, so they unplug it? They can open twist locks and spring locks? Can they open regular door knobs? That’s a little disconcerting! I have a window that’s up about 4 feet high that I usually leave open during the day and cracked at night but when it’s openIt’s only a screen between the outside and my birds. One commentor said they can build a raccoon ladders – does that mean I should secure this window better even though it’s 4 feet high on a metal building? I figured they couldn’t get in. So far, so good. But after reading this thread I am a little worried.

 

[KikiLeigh02]

It sounds terrible, but I test stuff out on my toddler. If he can figure it out how something works and has the dexterity to actually do it most likely a raccoon can/will too.

 

[Noellereagan]

It sounds terrible, but I test stuff out on my toddler. If he can figure it out how something works and has the dexterity to actually do it most likely a raccoon can/will too.

That’s a good idea as long as the electric fence isn’t part of the equation (totally Kidding - I know it’s not- just the first thing that popped in my mind). It doesn’t sound terrible. That’s a great idea actually. Raccoons don’t technically have thumbs but pretty close, right? They have a posable “fingers” sort of, correct? I don’t have a little one around anymore. Mine are grown and gone except one 12 year old left and if the raccoons are as smart as him I have a problem. As does he. (Joking again). But really, that’s a great gauge to measure the security. I’m going to think like that- if a toddler can potentially get into it- a raccoon can too. Thanks!