WHAT IS COMING IN MY BACKYARD?!?!?!?!

[Folly's place]

Only trap is you will then shoot it. Otherwise, watch it on your game camera, and either way, make sure that your coop and run are predator proof!
Mary

 

[feather13]

Raccoon. Unless your coop is 100% secure, I would consider trapping it because it associates your yard with a wonderful food supply. They are smart, beautiful creatures, but absolutely brutal and lethal when it comes to chickens.

 

[333113]

Raccoon. Unless your coop is 100% secure, I would consider trapping it because it associates your yard with a wonderful food supply. They are smart, beautiful creatures, but absolutely brutal and lethal when it comes to chickens.

Raccoons are like little bears, they can tear cages apart and won't hesitate to tear a leg off your bird if that's all they can reach.

When I was first raising chickens I called the conservation department. (Missouri) The agent told me to get a havahart trap, bait it with catfood (maybe you can see why I thought this was going in a different direction), then when I catch the raccoon, fill a 55 barrel drum with water and drown it. I must have gasped, because she said, "Honey, raccoons are not endangered. You have to turn them loose more than thirty miles away for them not to find your farm again, and then they will just go after somebody else's chickens or pets."

 

[Matejka]

Raccoon. Trap and shoot. Where's 1 you have 10 or more. Many places, it's illegal to relocate coons-why give your problem to someone else. I know that sounds hard, I am a softie and love all animals, but I would much rather see a dead predator than a dead pet.

 

[Painted Calls]

Another thing nobody has mentioned yet.... Don't leave cat food out after dark. Feed your outside kitties around supper time and then pick up their food until morning.

 

[Matejka]

I did a Google for raccoons and cats-I was pretty sure of the answer but wanted to confirm. Here is what I found

Yes, raccoons can pose a lethal danger to your cat or kitten, regardless of its breed. Not only do these creatures carry a variety of parasites and diseases, but they can also attack your pet. As you probably know, having your cat fight with other felines is life-threatening. Well, raccoons are life-threatening too.


So not only is a coon dangerous to your birds-keep your cat (and all other animals) safe also

 

[cmom]

I would make sure no feed is available. A coon is likely to invite it's family and friends. Cameras are great then you know for sure what you're dealing with. I agree with the other posts, if you trap you must be prepared to eliminate. Good luck...