How fast can a raccoon break through hardware cloth?

[fischerzacdc]

After losing over half of my flock to raccoons in one night, I upped the security of my run by adding a layer of 1/2'' hardware cloth over the two layers of chicken wire. If a determined raccoon were to try to break through this, how long would it take? An hour? 30 minutes?I'm not really sure how fast/strong raccoons are.

 

[kla37]

Raccoons, like any other predator, don't want to work TOO hard for dinner. I used the U shaped nails, they are called poultry clips, to fasten the hardware cloth to our run. If it's just stapled, it may be too easy for a coon to just pull off. We never had problems with our rabbits when I was a child, and we haven't had problems with the chickens so far, fingers crossed!

 

[fischerzacdc]

that is a great idea....I currently have it stapled, but as long as our coop makes it through tonight, I'm headed to home depot tomorrow morning

Thanks a bunch

 

[Cetawin]

Oh yes use U nails...staples can be ripped out fairly easily by a pair of coons.

 

[Cetawin]

also bring your wire cloth under the chicken wire and out away from the run about 18" - 2' and bury it...that will stop the from digging under...do it all the way around.

 

[Stingrayg4]

I don't believe a raccoon would be able to tear through 1/2 inch hardware cloth. I do agree with those that tell you to upgrade from staples to U nails though. They'll be able to pull it free if it's just stapled, no problem.

-S

 

[Capvin]

Properly secured a racoon will not get through 1/2 inch hardware cloth. I had it on an aviary with our parrots and use it on our run and coop and never had a problem with any predator.

 

[Clay Valley Farmer]

Better than staples or clips, screw on wooden batons over the edge of the cloth, much stronger and they don't have a lose edge to work on.

 

[texasgal]

I just lost 14 growing babies to some nasty raccoon(s) who ripped the hardware cloth right off the cage.

If you staple the hardware cloth, reinforce by placing a strip of wood at the staple line and nail it to the frame.

Good luck.

Oh, and did I say that I HATE raccoons... ?

 

[lauriruth]

texas gal! hi from San Antonio! Shiner is one good looking roo!!!!