Resident Raccoon

[HeyHo]

I live in a wooded, suburban area. Lots of homes and people, but also lots of woods and farms and a huge conservation area nearby. We have coyotes, foxes, possums and hawks. And that's just what I have personally seen. There's even a family of raccoons nearby that make occasional appearances on our porch in the spring (mom and babies). So we know there's wildlife and when we built our coop, we made it secure. Buried hardware cloth, flagstone edging, etc. (basically everything the forums suggest). So far, knock on wood, no signs of any attempts to breach the perimeter.

But very early this morning I saw a raccoon climb up the large tree about 15 feet from the coop. It had to go right by the chickens who were out in the run (the auto door had just opened) but didn't seem interested. At dusk, I searched the tree with a flashlight and saw a pair of reflective eyes near what looks like a hollow.

So I think this raccoon is literally a next-door neighbor to my flock.

I don't want to overreact. But I also don't want to under-react. This is my first year with chickens so so any advice you can offer would be appreciated. I would prefer to live and let live and, realistically, this raccoon has probably lived in that same tree the whole 8 months I have had the chickens. There are lots of predators around and I cannot get rid of all of them. But I don't want to be naive either and I know from this site that raccoons can be devastating to a flock.

Thanks!

 

[Compost King]

I would get rid of the Raccoon by what ever means you are comfortable getting rid of them. I try to be a live and let live type but Raccoons are very crafty when it comes to getting into coops.
I personally would never relocate one because they are high risk of speeding rabies, however its not my place to preach to others when you need to do what ever it takes to protect your flock.

 

[SniperGoose]

I second getting rid of the raccoon. They can be quite smart in figuring out things. Although we caught one in a live trap that was in our storage trailer just the other week that wasn't even baited...so I guess it depends on the individual coon. Like Compost King said, they are high risk for spreading rabies, and they're generally nasty little things, so I personally would get rid of it ASAP. What you do with it is your choice entirely, but it does need to be removed from the premises for your own flocks' safety.

 

[ChickenLeg]

I set a trap one time for a coon. We caught it and released it about 10-15miles away at a state park.

Another time I didnt have time to borrow a trap the coon was creeping in a tree beside my coop and I was running late for school. Had to cull him then and there.

Do what you think is responsible. They will try and get your chickens in time, no doubt.

 

[HeyHo]

Thank you all for the feedback! Any thoughts on deterrents? Coyote urine, etc.? What can I do to make that tree inhospitable to the current resident and any future ones? I'm nervous that even if I did get rid of it another would just move in.

The tree isn't super healthy and we have been talking about taking it down before it ends up on the roof. Would that do it?

Should I run a hot wire along the perimeter of the coop just to be safe?

 

[Compost King]

Unless someone says I am wrong, I would not use Coyote Urine scent for anything other than attracting coyotes to hunt them. I believe that scent is used to bring Coyotes to hunters.

ok I found a website that sells it and read the following

"We get this question primarily from customers using CoyotePee to deter deer and other critters. After all, who wants to attract a coyote into their yard! The answer depends on whether the immediate area is already a know coyote territory. Urine can attract animals of like species, but they would already have to be established in the area. If it is coyote country, we will recommend using WolfPee as a very sound alternative critter deterrent for deer and other coyote prey with the added benefit of being a coyote repellent as well."

https://www.predatorpeestore.com/does-it-attract.html

This guy suggest Wolf Urine in your situation.

 

[HeyHo]

Wow, Compost King, who knew? Sounds like I definitely don't want coyote urine. But now I definitely want one of those predator pee hats

 

[Compost King]

For the record, what ever that guy from my link is selling can likely be found on Amazon for a lower price. I get Skunk Scent like he sells for $25 (1 oz) for $10 on Amazon. Maybe his is better Quality? I don't know. I just used his link because he had info on Coyote urine attracting Coyotes.

I use Skunk scent sprayed directly on dogs that get loose that end up in my back yard disturbing chickens. I don't go looking for loose dogs to be a jerk I tend to just spray repeat offenders. After a dog comes home smelling like skunk the owners suddenly discover how to keep them contained. I have had people tell me that they are doing their best to keep their dogs in but (insert excuse here) after dealing with a dog that they believe was sprayed by a skunk they seem to do so much better at keeping their dogs contained.

 

[HeyHo]

After a dog comes home smelling like skunk the owners suddenly discover how to keep them contained

Hey, makes sense to me! And, ultimately, it helps the dogs not to be roaming.

I'll check amazon for the wolf urine. Thanks so much for the info!

 

[Folly's place]

Forget about urine or lights or sounds as deterrents, because none of that works for very long. Spend your time and money on predator proofing your coop and run! If your run isn't totally safe, your birds are going to be raccoon fodder soon, with this critter scoping out your chicken dinner offerings.
If you trap, shoot, or don't trap at all. Relocation is illegal and won't do him any favors anyway.
If this tree needs to go, now is a good time. You still need to make sure that nobody can get to your chickens!
Mary