We use dog-proof coon traps from Farm&Fleet - put cat treats down into the center of the trap (we used salmon flavored cat treats) - caught more coons than I had believed were 'round here. Every morning was a coon, for far too long. Three "S" (shoot, shovel, shut up) later...and eventually the coon problem stopped or they stopped visiting our yard.
I also realized the coons were attracted to our compost pile - I did throw kitchen scraps into it...not anymore. Now all my compostables get Ninja-blendered into slurry and dug down deep into the compost pile and covered back up. Pain in the rear to do so, but it's better than trapping coons and possums and skunks to deal with...
And once a coon knows where to find food, they'll keep returning until either the food runs out or the situation changes. Sounds like you should armor your coop if they're able to remove siding. Instead of nails, use 2" exterior grade screws - and instead of siding, use plywood or something that's firmer and holds the screws really really tight to the studs. Bring your hens into a garage or other safe place - a plastic dog crate is really great to do this with - until the situation is improved.
Good luck! Darn predators...don't they know that those eggs are for US?!
I also realized the coons were attracted to our compost pile - I did throw kitchen scraps into it...not anymore. Now all my compostables get Ninja-blendered into slurry and dug down deep into the compost pile and covered back up. Pain in the rear to do so, but it's better than trapping coons and possums and skunks to deal with...
And once a coon knows where to find food, they'll keep returning until either the food runs out or the situation changes. Sounds like you should armor your coop if they're able to remove siding. Instead of nails, use 2" exterior grade screws - and instead of siding, use plywood or something that's firmer and holds the screws really really tight to the studs. Bring your hens into a garage or other safe place - a plastic dog crate is really great to do this with - until the situation is improved.
Good luck! Darn predators...don't they know that those eggs are for US?!
