Hey, Will Raccoons Eat My Chickens?

[kbroom]

Our dogs were barking at the grasshopper farting in the grass. At least, that's what we initially thought. Then, my husband spotted a bandit with stripes peering into our 2nd floor window, straight across from the top of his garage...he was LARGE!!! He told me with baited breath about the size of this interloper staring back at him, and thought of the different colored eggs that I collect everyday. Now, a raccoon might eat these eggs, but now I'm wondering, could a large raccoon devour my beautiful bird babies? Just asking for advice and information from some of you long time chicken mommies, if this may be a threat? If so, shotgun is handy....my husband says that this furry character is probably around 40 or 50lbs. and our dogs are not big enough to handle him. Ignore, trap or shoot it?

 

[GodLovesU]

I would trap it. If it can access your chickens it will try to eat them.

 

[SpeckySussex]

I wouldn't know about whether to trap or shoot it, but it definitely would eat your birds if it can reach them in any way. Triple check your coop for holes or areas where it could enter. Replace parts or the coop that are weak for heavier duty options and make sure the run and coop are entirely locked each night with strong locks.

 

[CatInTheHenHouse]

I wouldn't know about whether to trap or shoot it, but it definitely would eat your birds if it can reach them in any way. Triple check your coop for holes or areas where it could enter. Replace parts or the coop that are weak for heavier duty options and make sure the run and coop are entirely locked each night with strong locks.

Raccoons can unlock some locks can’t they? My understanding was you need two locks for that reason.

 

[Mill Chick]

Raccoons love chicken dinner!

 

[SpeckySussex]

Raccoons can unlock some locks can’t they? My understanding was you need two locks for that reason.

I've always been told that if a 4 year old can unlock it than so can a raccoon.
I don't think that two locks would make a difference. If they can unlock both than they would and if they can't unlock one or both than you would still only need the one they can't unlock. I'm pretty sure two locks would only slow you down.

 

[Twilia]

Yes, they are intelligent, and clever with their hands. I read that racoons can get this large (45-55 lbs) due to a diet of junky or fatty foods. He must have access to someone's trash can!

He has not done anything yet; I would secure the coop well. Can you get pictures of the chicken coop/run areas? Cover entry points or weaknesses in your chicken space. Get a heavy door and place a heavy rock in the way of it. They won't be able to get in otherwise.

(1. Keep trash cans/food bins protected.
(2. Remove water sources, like wagons or such collecting rain.
(3. You could even get a senser sprinkler system!

 

[kbroom]

I would trap it. If it can access your chickens it will try to eat them.

Thank you. I hate this, but we may need to shoot it. Don't know how word spreads in the raccoon community, but if it gets out that there is a nice chicken meal to be had....gotta put a stop to that raccoon gossip now!

 

[Yardmom]

Racoons will open, reach through small holes, and climb to eat chickens.

 

[Twilia]

*sigh* I tried... Poor coon.
First line of defense is always a secure coop; that way too many people aren't wreaking war on nature.

Edit: I think you may like this article:

Protecting Your Chickens from Springtime Predators

Spring bursts forth with vibrant life, but for backyard chicken owners, the season also ushers in a period of heightened vigilance. As the world awakens from winter's slumber, so do the appetites of a variety of predators that view your feathered friends as a tempting snack. Understanding these...

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• Mar 16, 2024
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take care ; )