Racoon opens automatic door

[Pippys Place]

I lost my dear little Hazel (a partridge silkie) to the hands of a giant raccoon who figured out how to open an automatic door.
Feeling terrible.
They are so ingenious and will work at a problem until they figure it out. Be wary!

RIP dear Hazel.

 

[Nyhillbillies]

Hi everyone! It’s so heartbreaking when this happens. Prior to being adopted by 2 chickens and their friends, we welcomed ALL creatures in our humble 5 acre country space. We had to recently take the life of a racoon who got into the coop: after failed attempts via the nesting box external door, he got inside another way and badly frightened our little flock of 5 hens & 1 rooster. They ganged up on him and sent him packing. No injuries! The next day, we trapped him when he returned for more action, and killed him.
It was a decision that need to be made, our hearts breaking over killing one of The Almighty’s creations. We will do it again if we have to, but I pray we won’t!

 

[Folly's place]

Once we have chickens, raccoons are no longer 'cute'!
Mary

 

[Nyhillbillies]

Why tho? Out of the thousands of auto doors out there, that racoons have not gotten into, you are making a decision on one(few) example(s)?

Its a trust factor. Too many variables.
1- predator break in
2- late chicken can't get in
3- predator locked in
4- other curious animal locked in…..

 

[Folly's place]

So sorry for your little hen, an awful event for all of you.
Your coop and run need serious work, because this raccoon family will continue until all your birds are dead. Keep you survivors inside somewhere safe while their housing is improved.
Pictures here may help us see where your problems are. Obviously that automatic door has to go, or at least be locked. Your hardware cloth isn't attached securely enough, as inthe picture on the left.
Mary

 

[Nyhillbillies]

I lost my dear little Hazel (a partridge silkie) to the hands of a giant raccoon who figured out how to open an automatic door.
Feeling terrible.
They are so ingenious and will work at a problem until they figure it out. Be wary!

RIP dear Hazel. View attachment 3221700

We, as the collective at BYC, mourn with you! May The Creator of Heaven & Earth bless her soul…

 

[neo71665]

Coons are smart and can figure out things. They are also stronger than people think. There is a cinder block in my coon's cage that they have no problem rolling around.

 

[NorthwoodsChick]

So sorry about your Hazel. She looks like a queen! What type of automated door do you have?

 

[Pippys Place]

So sorry for your little hen, an awful event for all of you.
Your coop and run need serious work, because this raccoon family will continue until all your birds are dead. Keep you survivors inside somewhere safe while their housing is improved.
Pictures here may help us see where your problems are. Obviously that automatic door has to go, or at least be locked. Your hardware cloth isn't attached securely enough, as inthe picture on the left.
Mary

I have only one remaining chicken now; I think Clara will become a house pet for anything but the middle of the day.

 

[ashcons]

Raccoons occupy the same tier of animals as mosquitoes, coyotes, ticks, and chiggers in my mind.