Raccoons are smart.

[KikiLeigh02]

That's even worse than what I was thinking. Electric fencing is not part of the equation for sure, we don't use it lol. I just use him for testing locks, latches, and doors.

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!

 

[Noellereagan]

That's even worse than what I was thinking. Electric fencing is not part of the equation for sure, we don't use it lol. I just use him for testing locks, latches, and doors.

Oh I know! I was totally teasing!

 

[Folly's place]

Typical window screens are useless!!! Hardware cloth, very well secured, must cover all openings. I've seen raccoons climb T-111 paneling easily, and so can many other predators.
My coop has recycled exterior doors from the Habitat Restore, with door locks, and the keys are hung nearby. No raccoon will get in that way!
Electric fencing is great when it's set up properly, with multiple strands of rope, wire, or tape, and on a good charger. Depending on how many weeds are against mine, it gives 8 to 10 joules according to my tester. It hurts!
Mary

 

[Noellereagan]

Typical window screens are useless!!! Hardware cloth, very well secured, must cover all openings. I've seen raccoons climb T-111 paneling easily, and so can many other predators.
My coop has recycled exterior doors from the Habitat Restore, with door locks, and the keys are hung nearby. No raccoon will get in that way!
Electric fencing is great when it's set up properly, with multiple strands of rope, wire, or tape, and on a good charger. Depending on how many weeds are against mine, it gives 8 to 10 joules according to my tester. It hurts!
Mary

Well I’m doing that this afternoon (installing hardware cloth. I always think about them scaling the side of the building but kind of assured myself with the false security they can’t. Now I know for sure I had a reason to be worried. I’ll sleep better at night knowing there’s hardware cloth on the window.

 

[Folly's place]

I use fencing staples to attach the hardware cloth to the framing, and then wood strips screwed into the framing over that. Security!

 

[Noellereagan]

I use fencing staples to attach the hardware cloth to the framing, and then wood strips screwed into the framing over that. Security!

I’m sorry to sound so ignorant but you mean to attach the hardware cloth, securely. Next screw the wood strips over the top of where you secured the hardware cloth to the frame- correct?

 

[Folly's place]

Yes. First fence staples to attach the hardware cloth to the interior wood framing the window, then 1"x3" wood strips screwed into the same framing to lock in the hardware cloth better.
Raccoons are very strong, and can pull the wire away from it's attachments if things aren't strong enough.
Mary

 

[Noellereagan]

Yes. First fence staples to attach the hardware cloth to the interior wood framing the window, then 1"x3" wood strips screwed into the same framing to lock in the hardware cloth better.
Raccoons are very strong, and can pull the wire away from it's attachments if things aren't strong enough.
Mary

Thanks. A bunch. I’m on it.

 

[Bryant Redhawk]

I use large washers and metal roof screws (1 1/2" long) to fasten 1/2" mesh to everything. The washers hold quite well since they cover an entire 1/2" opening. I space these about 4 inches apart. I've watched a 25 lb. coon try to get in through this and he failed, even though he was using all his weight to pull with. He was very persistent too.
After watching him for about 20 minutes, I dispatched him. Upon inspection he had not managed to do any damage to the mesh wires, probably because I stretched it quite tight as I fastened it in place.

 

[Northern.Ontario]

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.

I'm in Timmins, Ontario. Where are you located?