Raccoons...

[TubbyChicken]

We have a lot of raccoons here. They are very brazen and visit nightly. I had no idea they would try to eat and kill full grown hens. What special precautions should I take to coon proof my run and coop?

 

[Bi0sC0mp]

for coons you need hardware cloth bury it and secure it.. if you can get tin to put on the top of the run that will help alot also and keep them locked up at night in a secure coop with a locked door..

 

[Chicken_Lover4567]

I agree with the above post, but make sure you locks are racoon proff. Ours are easy slide latches, but the holes for them are crooked so you have to really try hard to open it. That's how we racoon proff our doors....

 

[nautical_bouy]

Lock them up tight every night, or electric fence.

 

[Jenski]

We also doubled the locks on each door (run and coop); there is one up high and one lower. We figured that decreased the likelihood that any critter would successfully get them all opened.

(It also discourages the kiddies from coming in without supervision.)

 

[Opa]

Two effective methods I employed to predator proof my coop and runs is buried wire. #1- Buried wire mesh - Dig a trench 12" wide and 4" deep, bend the wire mesh to fit trench bottom and then up the side of you enclosure. Then backfill. This is more effective than running wire mesh straight down into trench. #2- Wrap entire enclosure with electric fence wire. Buy a fence charger from Tractor Supply, wire and insulators. The entire system can be installed for less than $75. I have watched coyotes and stray dogs approach the coop and then run off howling. It doesn't injure anything or anyone (knowledge gleened from contact with wire while painting), yet it teaches them to stay away. Some friends in my area have had repeated problems with skunks and raccoons while I haven't. So I know this works and is cheap insurance.

 

[TubbyChicken]

The electric fence is a great idea but I'm not sure I would take that route with a curious toddler who will be hanging by the run looking for the "chickies"...maybe when he gets a bit older, that really does sound like a great idea!

 

[nautical_bouy]

Just plug in at night, you shouldn't need it during the day.

 

[justpete]

You could put the charger on a timer for night use. Saves on the electricity also.