Three chickens down

[Bcoz18]

I’m getting very frustrated. I got 6 chickens for the first time in March, now I’m down to 3. Some how raccoons keep getting into the coop and killing them. Any Suggestions suggestions on how to keep them out. We have small wire mesh around the whole thing and for some ready they keep pushing the mesh out. The mesh is stapled in. Anything I can spray around the area to Keep the raccoons away? We are going on vacation for a week and I don’t the house sitter to well clean up dead chickens :/

 

[MarkJr]

Staples will pull out. I make the hardware cloth overlap the hole by 2-3" minimum. Then, use wood to trim it out. I screw through and tighten it down, making sure the screws also go through the hardware cloth. This clamps it together, as well as keeping the edges down so they dont get a starting spot.

What kind of wire mesh are you using?

 

[MarkJr]

Also, if you post pictures of your setup, the kind folks here can spot weaknesses at a glance, and know EXACTLY how to keep the baddest of predators at bay.

Welcome to BYC

 

[Bcoz18]

Staples will pull out. I make the hardware cloth overlap the hole by 2-3" minimum. Then, use wood to trim it out. I screw through and tighten it down, making sure the screws also go through the hardware cloth. This clamps it together, as well as keeping the edges down so they dont get a starting spot.

What kind of wire mesh are you using?

I also use the hardware cloth

 

[Bear1978]

Hello, sorry to hear that you’ve been loosing your flock to those pesky critters!

I concure with the previous poster. Please post pics of tour coop and run area that shows how the fence is installed and any openings, etc.

All coons need is a few inches of space to either pull a chicken through or squeeze their bodies through.

Never use chicken wire. It’s not good at keeping any predators out. Use 1/2 hardwarecloth fastened with washer and screws. And install anti-dig skirt around the perimeter of the run and coop.You can search on here on how to do that.

Think like a coon. And do not take their strength or persistence for granted.

Also attach pics of your door locks and latches.

good luck!

 

[Bcoz18]

Also, if you post pictures of your setup, the kind folks here can spot weaknesses at a glance, and know EXACTLY how to keep the baddest of predators at bay.

Welcome to BYC

I added some pictures to the original post. The first two pictures are where it got in last night and killed one chicken. It opened that door and pushed the cloth out on the right sode

 

[IttyBittyBirdy]

I agree to use the method that Something Cool recommended.
I have a bottle of wolf and fox urine.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome!
I'm so sorry for your birds!
We overlapped the hardware cloth, stapled it to the wood framing, and added 2"x 4" woven wire over the lower 4' of the run, and all attached with fence staples, and then 1'x 4" boards screwed in over all of it.
Construction staples are for holding it in place while you get it actually attached only!

Mary

 

[Jt and Chicks]

Well where do u live? I am a coon Hunter so I could go there and get rid of the coons if you live nearby

 

[Folly's place]

I don't think your latches are secure either. Upgrade them!
Your raccoon will return until all your birds are dead, so bring the survivors into a safe place today, and until this is all fixed.
If you can trap and shoot this current raccoon or family group, that's great. but don't trap unless you will shoot them!
Mary