Getting rid of a raccoon will not always solve your problem.
Once your pest is gone...it leaves your area open for another one to move in.
Like many predators.....they have their territory and will defend it.
If you can protect your chickens which is sounds like the original poster is doing, the raccoon (s) will actually help keep others away.
If you are prepared to trap a raccoon of any critter for that matter.... you had better be prepared to dispatch it ASAP.
Relocating a pest or predator only forces your problem off on someone else and open the territory up for something else to move in.
Spot on - Racoons will mark the territory one way or the other - either an open dinner table or off limits marker... That is the purpose of "man pee", it says off limits, top predator here!
My neighbor feeds the wildlife and has gone as far as requesting that I don't hunt deer on my own property because she feeds them everyday. I'm OK with that and animal lovers in general... And I must say I was a little embarrassed when a deer ran across her property with an arrow sticking through its neck... OOPS! Don't worry, I tracked it and it is happily residing in freezer Camp. Lately she has been feeding a family of coons as well, that may be my saving grace since her property line is only 100 yards from my coop and they stay fed. The only coon I ever saw on my property walked directly to one of my pee trees, took a sniff and did a 180. I pee a lot on that side of the woods ;-) Since she doesn't complain about my twelve roosters crowing at 4 AM we kind of have an unspoken truce...
NikonD2xer is right, the minimum distance to relocate "pests" is at least 10 miles away - upwind! Otherwise be prepared to see them again. The instincts are strong. If you trap be prepared to deal with the follow up... I prefer .410 guage for close in "glad to meet you" scenarios. It doesn't have to come to that if you are willing to spend the money and do the work to predator proof, repel, and deny the "enemy" easy access to your poultry.
I have a batch of 50 American Bresse pullets brooding right now and I can already "feel" the beady eyes staring from the distance in the night, salivating, dreaming of the day they can pick up an easy four piece with their EBT... It's not going to happen on my watch!
Do not feed the wildlife because any animal is either a predator or prey. Chickens are prey. The difference is clear - if the eyes are located on the side of the head - prey, if they are in front, predator. If your still unsure check for canines (the teeth for ripping meat or vampire teeth depending on your pov)... I tried to tell my vegan sister this but she is in denial!
Anyway - good luck and any advice, observation or recommendation I give is only from my experience. I am a born again city boy. Your mileage may vary.
