I have two hens who live in a chicken tractor which consists of a small run (about 6'x2') on the bottom, and a small, enclosed coop on top (about 3'x2'). The chicken tractor is able to be completely protected from predators (hard wire cloth on all sides & bottom of the run, bolts and locks on the coop, etc.) and I've never had any issues.
Because of my work schedule and the shorter winter days, I've added an "extension" for the run that's 4'x6' so the chickens have a little more room to run around during the day. It's not as secure, as I only used chicken wire instead of hardwire cloth--but since the chickens are locked in their chicken tractor at night, I'm not worried about a raccoon or other predator trying to get them during the day.
I'm going to be gone for about a week to go home for Christmas, and I have a friend who is going to check on the chickens while I'm gone, but they won't be able to let them into the extended run in the morning and lock them in the chicken tractor at night. I'm worried the chickens are going to be too cooped up in the chicken tractor for a week, but I'm also worried about raccoons attacking if I leave the door between the chicken tractor and the extended run open. I live in Bellingham, WA, and it's going to be pretty cold for the next week (lows and highs in the 30s for most of the week)...does anyone have any advice on how active raccoons are in the winter?
I've added pictures if that's helpful (and the extended chicken run looks a little nicer now...
Because of my work schedule and the shorter winter days, I've added an "extension" for the run that's 4'x6' so the chickens have a little more room to run around during the day. It's not as secure, as I only used chicken wire instead of hardwire cloth--but since the chickens are locked in their chicken tractor at night, I'm not worried about a raccoon or other predator trying to get them during the day.
I'm going to be gone for about a week to go home for Christmas, and I have a friend who is going to check on the chickens while I'm gone, but they won't be able to let them into the extended run in the morning and lock them in the chicken tractor at night. I'm worried the chickens are going to be too cooped up in the chicken tractor for a week, but I'm also worried about raccoons attacking if I leave the door between the chicken tractor and the extended run open. I live in Bellingham, WA, and it's going to be pretty cold for the next week (lows and highs in the 30s for most of the week)...does anyone have any advice on how active raccoons are in the winter?
I've added pictures if that's helpful (and the extended chicken run looks a little nicer now...