Worried about raccoons, what do you think?

[pvsmiths]

We are finishing up our coop and want to make sure it is secure enough against raccoons. Built it under our deck, so was able to use existing wall and screen enclosure Replaced screen with wire and wood. Concerned if the wire we put up is good enough. What do you think? I'm sorry, it looks like some photos are coming in sideways. Thanks for any and all input!

 

[ADozenGirlz]

Looks like Fort Knox to me!

 

[gumpsgirl]

Hardware cloth is perfect against anything! It looks like you did a great job to me.

 

[pvsmiths]

YAY! Thanks for replying!

 

[WestKnollAmy]

I had a young female raccoon get into my coop last year under the corrugated roofing. The space was about 2"x2". I could not believe it but she was able to kill 8 chickens in one week and we could not figure out how or where. Finally got it all wire closed and trapped her. I could not believe she could fit but have never lost another in that coop since.
I just can't tell how you have the roofing secured but other than that it looks perfect!

 

[CityChook]

Also, consider changing out that barrel hasp (on your door?) for something lockable. If a child can open the hasp, then a raccoon can too.

 

[ZooMummzy]

I agree with all the posts...looks great! Definitely wire over any openings, no matter how small, and make sure the latch is safe. I have three latches on my coop - top, middle and bottom - and all of them lock with a key. My chicken doors have long posts that go deep into the wood of the framing and lock inside. I'm just paranoid about predators, but I haven't lost a single chicken to one in over 3 years of keeping chickens. Hardware cloth is my friend

 

[Capt. Crusoe]

Great job with the coop – Looks like you have plenty of hours incorporated into the fence and coop - that should keep the ring tailed killers out!! We had a huge problem with coons and ended up adding a small electric fence around the perimeter (bought everything we needed at the local farm supply (Farm & Fleet) 3 strands all spaced about a foot apart with the first being 3 inches off the ground – mulched around the base so the weeds did not grow up to short the wire and we rested much easier knowing our brew was protected.

 

[pvsmiths]

Thanks to all for replying. We will take another look at locks and roofing... tomorrow!
Good Night All!

 

[TK421]

The only change I would make is the left side of your roof. A raccoon may be able to bend up the roof and squeeze in. If you can secure that 1 corner to the wall with a little block of wood I think it would be a predator proof coop! good job!