Within Raccoon's Reach

[SpottedCrow]

Raccoons have opposable thumbs, just like us. So they can open latches and hooks and eyes, and doorknobs too.
Also the big boar that took out my EE pullet Tom stood 4 feet tall on his back feet, so people shoulder height may not be too high for it.
Chicken wire is good for keeping chickens in, but NOTHING ELSE OUT!
Hardware cloth and welded wire are the best for keeping your birds safe.
Go for the smaller mesh, it'll help keep the mustelidae family out too.
You also have to bury the fencing about 6 inches down and about a foot out from the body of the coop to keep critters from digging under.
I'm so very sorry for your losses...been there done that, have a trapper's bill...

 

[JackieK318]

I just checked everyone over last night and my SL Wyandotte (baby) has a huge piece of her skin on her left thigh peeled back. She's not bleeding or anything, but I did put peroxide and ointment on it. I trimmed off the feathers that I just thought were just stuck to her leg. She's acting spunky still, eating and drinking fine. My Speckled Sussex was a little roughed up too, but seems to be fine. So, this could have been worse than it really was, waaaaaay worse!!!

 

[ozark hen]

Jackie, here is a link to a thread from this week. Excellent first aid info. I wouldn't use the peroxide as they say it burns the tissue on the birds. I saved this link as it is handy to have..just in case!
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=15537&p=1

 

[JackieK318]

Thanks! That's getting printed and put in the chicken binder!