Raccoons, Capsicum, Ducks, Oh MY!

[mhegge]

We have had chickens for 3 years and just lost one to a coon last night, second in those 3 years. We live in the country, old farm and fields etc, and our ducks and chickens free range with a coop and run. We don't shut the run because we don't want to shut out the ducks. Long story short, trap and kill. My husband has caught and dispatched 4 coons in 3 weeks, yet one actually found the coop last night. It will be back tonight, but we will heavily trap. One of my roos fought a good fight for my hen last night, but lost. If we don't get it tonight, I will sit in the run if I have too. We also have kiddos and dogs and have had a sick coon in our yard before, we don't take chances. I'm so sorry for your loss.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome, and raccoons are miserable little beasts!
Electric fencing is your friend, and will set up faster than the necessary coop rebuild that should be next.
Howard E has god information on this site about fencing set-up, and Premier1supplies has good information and excellent products, including the electric poultry fencing.
Trap and shoot; raccoons work in family groups, so it's very likely that you have more, maybe many more.
Give your dog a nice tread, in addition to that vaccination update and wound treatment he might have had today. Good for him!
When you are cleaning possible raccoon saliva off your dog, wear gloves and be careful. If the raccoon isn't tested for rabies, or if it tests positive, you have been exposed while cleaning up your dog. Be careful!
Mary