Well the raccoons are back this year

[21hens-incharge]

My neighbor just came by to let me know that she started the mower and a mama with 2 babies ran out of her shed and up a tree.
I am not to worried about the chickens in the main coop and run BUT I do have 6 in a temporary hoop coop. Thinking I may need to shore things up some more.

Dang raccoons are smart critters.

 

[MichaelZ13]

And I am fairly sure they can rip through chicken wire. I had either a raccoon or a fisher tear through the wire on a rabbit cage. The fact that they are nearby means you should take care. Is it possible to move the hoop house close to your window so you (or your dog) could hear any commotion? See the thread at https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...coons-chicken-wire-please-add-your-experience

 

[21hens-incharge]

I just went and spent a bunch of $$$$$$ on 1/2 inch hardware cloth, tie wire and already have cage clips and pliers. Now just to hang in for another half hour so the shade starts to hit the area.
I am familiar with the stinking raccoons and the damage they can do. Dirty buggers. I have not lost any to them but know people who have. I had hoped to have the chickens sold last week which would have made the hoop coop not needed but alas they are still here.

The hoop coop is within range of the motion sensor light on the main coop as well as close to the bedroom window. The light wakes me if something triggers it so with that and the hardware cloth we should be good to go.
I have hog panels on the ends of the hoop that I can add the hardware cloth to as well so I will hold off on trying to dig out some plywood for tonight.
Going to be a long hot evening running the hardware cloth for sure.

An ounce of prevention in this case should save me a lifetime of regrets.
( I really like the little polish in the hoop coop )

 

[coleco]

Sorry to hear it, I too saw a family of raccoons climbing the mulberry tree, which is all good and well, but the mulberries are almost done and my chickens are the hopeful second course. I took a shot with the 22 but i don't have a scope with illuminated reticle to see in the dark and the momma ran off. I hog ringed hardware cloth over any area i thought little arms could reach in to the pullet coop, and have only lost 1 chicken leg to a skunk in my entire ownership of chickens but the stress of maintaining such a record takes it's toll. It sounds like you got this!!! Fantastic!

 

[21hens-incharge]

The buggers made a go of it last night. I am glad I took the time to secure the little ones better.
The motion light went off at least 30 times. When I heard an actual attempt the dogs and I made a trip to the yard. No chicken was harmed during this event. I heard the claws pulling at the wire.

 

[slingshotandLAR]

Live trap or just sit and wait for the light to come on and shoot is possible.....

Can the dogs go out by them selves?

My dog will actually grab the smaller ones in the center of the back and basically shake them to death. It's a trick she learned from experience. I will say if your dogs don't have experience with coons be carful, they can get hurt if they charge blindly.

 

[21hens-incharge]

My dogs could go on their own BUT they have never seen a raccoon before. I would not trust that they would come back unharmed. Especially since it is a mama coon we are thinking is the naughty one. My old dog that has been gone a few years now would have had the coon and been done with it.

She did not want the cat food in the live trap so tonight I will try mackerel.

 

[slingshotandLAR]

My dogs could go on their own BUT they have never seen a raccoon before. I would not trust that they would come back unharmed. Especially since it is a mama coon we are thinking is the naughty one. My old dog that has been gone a few years now would have had the coon and been done with it.

She did not want the cat food in the live trap so tonight I will try mackerel.

Marshmallows!!

The fish should work as long as you have no cats to worry about

 

[21hens-incharge]

LOL if there are cats out there they are not mine so would be given the mercy of a free ride to the pound. Raccoons are another matter with me.
I think DH would absolutely DIE if I gave marshmallows to a raccoon after giving the watermelon to the chickens.
It is a good idea though so perhaps I will have to make sure he knows the marshmallows are for him but I want a few.

 

[Folly's place]

Peanut butter on bread caught the most recent one here! Fruit works too, and you aren't going to catch any cats that way. Mary