Racoon Security (how dexterous are they?)

[al6517]

I once saw a Racoon work a Ribits cube like he went to MIT, they can be very well smart.

AL

 

[The Sheriff]

Raccoons tore the entire door off of an outdoor refrigerator that had a hasp lock on it at our last home in Folsom. Never underestimate them!

 

[chauqg]

coons are very dexterous.... your chicken wire will keep birds in, but will not keep coons, dogs or cats out. the material on the gate is strong, but I had a coon eat a bird through 1x2" welded wire. I use 1/2" square welded wire now. Have killed 3 coons this fall all close around the garden and near our tractor - not seen any around new coop, when I do they will be dropped. Don't underestimate animals that earn a living killing chickens and other birds. They are relentless and will spend months trying to find a weak spot in your design. they will kill your birds. Slaughtered birds is an ugly site that I hope to never see again. I've had birds killed by dog, coon, foxes, and cat. Keep them out by building with their strength in mind don't look for their weaknesses - like they are looking for yours.

 

[quenston]

I am just gonna throw my 2 cents in, like everyone has said chicken wire is great to keep birds in, but will keep nothing from getting in,so what I do is I either use Chainlink fencing or welded wire and if I have smaller birds on the ground that I worry about getting out I will then use chicken wire as a secondary measure to keep the smaller chickens in but never use chicken wire for your primary fencing. Once again this is just my 2 cents worth!!!