Raccoons vs Zip Ties: Who wins?

[OlympicChick]

I wish I had asked this question a couple of weeks ago, or that I had just done a simple search for "zip-ties" before I had gone and purchased these:




It turns out that there are stainless zip-ties, who knew?

Anyway, I am building a PVC hoop coop:



Initially, I have everything zip-tied together, intending on going back over everything and attaching the metal wire cage clips. My main concern is raccoons. We live in the city, but we have raccoons and I'm not taking any chances. That is why I just automatically assumed that zip-ties would not be good enough. Some of my chicks need to get outside ASAP, and if I could get them out there with just the protection of the zip-ties (temporarily), that would be great. My concern is a raccoon being able to gnaw through the ties and somehow figure out how to squeeze on through between the panels (they are 3' sections connected to each other and to the PVC with said zip-ties) I will be putting a 2' skirt around the bottom as well before any birds are put outside.

So, my question is, basically, are zip-ties good enough for a week or two before I get around to using the metal clips? Or should I not take that risk?

 

[hillbilly91]

I wouldn't take a chance. Also make sure to put some type of shelter/shade. Another good idea is to make sure the roost isn't to high so when there on roost they dont hit there wings on the wire. Chickens tend to sleep against the wall/wire when on roost as they feel safe make sure nothing can reach threw the wire and get them while there on roost. Good luck. If you have any questions just let us know.

 

[OlympicChick]

Thank you! Once the coop is more complete I am going to post a bunch of pictures to see what I have overlooked or missed. The roost/nest box situation is still one that I am pondering. The entire thing will be covered in plastic and tarps (depending on the section) for the winter, with ventilation windows high on both the long ends.

 

[hillbilly91]

Thank you! Once the coop is more complete I am going to post a bunch of pictures to see what I have overlooked or missed. The roost/nest box situation is still one that I am pondering. The entire thing will be covered in plastic and tarps (depending on the section) for the winter, with ventilation windows high on both the long ends.

I will keep my eye out for when you post pics and let you know what I can help with. As for nesting box's these are what I use. You can hang them slightly off the ground or on the ground.

 

[jthornton]

I will keep my eye out for when you post pics and let you know what I can help with. As for nesting box's these are what I use. You can hang them slightly off the ground or on the ground. View attachment 1553764

How do they stand up to lay the egg in that tiny bucket? Looks so uncomfortable to me.

JT

 

[jthornton]

Those cage clips should be fine in sufficient numbers to fasten the wire fence together. I always keep a baited live trap or three around my chickens so I know real fast if there is danger in the area.

JT

 

[llombardo]

I can tell you they can and will take zip ties apart. I have a pvc run also.

I started finding zip ties ripped off--only at the bottom and they were working one area. Luckily I check the run daily. I saw one or two zip ties at first then more and more.

Thankfully I did NOT only zip tie I drilled bolts with nuts also. I'm slowly replacing every zip tie with a bolt and I have put up an electric fence.

I would not use any kind of clips--I would go right to bolts. Pvc is easy to drill and the wire tightens up nicely. I used self drilling bolts/screws(whatever they are called)

 

[hillbilly91]

How do they stand up to lay the egg in that tiny bucket? Looks so uncomfortable to me.

JT

They go in, sit down, lay the egg, and get out. The idea behind the smaller space is to make them feel safe, they don't need to hang out in the nesting box. It works great to make the hen feel safe and go broody

 

[hillbilly91]

Those cage clips should be fine in sufficient numbers to fasten the wire fence together. I always keep a baited live trap or three around my chickens so I know real fast if there is danger in the area.

JT

In my experience keeping traps baited draws predators in. I would only bait and set a trap if you see a threat that n eeds to be removed. Just my opinion

 

[Helloworld]

I raised coons for years. The only thing they can’t get into are padlocks.
I also have some crazy chickens that decided to peck at my zip ties until they broke on their divider.

Nesting boxes are too small in my opinion. The thin edge of bucket lid can do some damage to feet as well. We use the big laundry buckets with the rope handles, cut them in half, put a 1x4 in front to keep straw in and place on the ground. Easy to pick up and clean and snakes can run away not feel trapped.

I agree about the traps. Too close to coop BUT.... If you are loaded with coons, take those traps to your land boundary closest to chickens.

We actually take our extra eggs and put them over our fence in the woods to feed coons, possoms, etc. all dead snakes get hung up on a fence to feed owls and hawks. No problems since we started the bribe system lol. We have ten acres so it works but may not on smaller property.