Keeping coop safe from raccoons

[The smith family chicks]

How do you fortify your coop against raccoons? My area has a raccoon problem and tried some cheaper options, but they didn’t work. What can I do to better protect my coop?

 

[cmom]

I have electric wires around my coops, good heavy duty netting covering my pens and concrete under the gates all due to losses from predators in the past. My fence is grounded so anything that tries to climb it and touches the hot wires will hurt, but that is the idea. I want them to hurt so they will know that whatever is on the other side isn't worth getting zapped for. Good luck...
http://www.poultrydvm.com/featured-infographic/tips-for-protecting-poultry-from-predators

 

[The smith family chicks]

I have electric wires around my coops, good heavy duty netting covering my pens and concrete under the gates all due to losses from predators in the past. My fence is grounded so anything that tries to climb it and touches the hot wires will hurt, but that is the idea. I want them to hurt so they will know that whatever is on the other side isn't worth getting zapped for. Good luck...
http://www.poultrydvm.com/featured-infographic/tips-for-protecting-poultry-from-predators

What netting would work? Also electric wires seem expensive…

 

[nuthatched]

What netting would work? Also electric wires seem expensive…

It cost me about $80 for all the stuff to set up wire around my coop.
What's your coop like?

 

[Aunt Angus]

Well, I would not get any more chicks until you figure it out. I'm still not convinced this is a real inquiry. I can't imagine letting most of your chicks get killed TWICE before realizing you have a raccoon problem. Seems inane. And hard to believe.

But if this IS a serious inquiry, electric wire is great. I use electric poultry netting because I am serious about predator deterrence. It is expensive, but it's worth it to me. Just a couple of strands of hotwire is not expensive and easy to install.

If you'd prefer to not do electric, hardware cloth is important - NOT chicken wire. Add it around your coop/run to keep raccoons from reaching in and beheading your chickens. And be sure to use locks that are raccoon proof. I use tumblers. They have been perfect for me.

And raccoons can climb, so be sure the run is covered. Electric will prevent climbing, too, if placed well.

 

[The smith family chicks]

I have electric wires around my coops, good heavy duty netting covering my pens and concrete under the gates all due to losses from predators in the past. My fence is grounded so anything that tries to climb it and touchesever is on the other side isn't worth getting zapped for. Good luck...
http://www.poultrydvm.com/featured-infographic/tips-for-protecting-poultry-from-predators

Well, I would not get any more chicks I til you figure it out. I'm still not convinced this is a real inquiry. I can't imagine letting most of your chicks get killed TWICE before realizing you have a raccoon problem. Seems inane. And hard to believe.

But if this IS a serious inquiry, electric wire is great. I use electric poultry netting because I am serious about predator deterrence. It is expensive, but it's worth it to me. Just a couple of strands of hotwire is not expensive and easy to install.

If you'd prefer to not do electric, hardware cloth is important - NOT chicken wire. Add it around your coop/run to keep raccoons from reaching in and beheading your chickens. And be sure to use locks that are raccoon proof. I use tumblers. They gave been perfect for me.

And raccoons can climb, so be sure the run is covered. Electric will prevent climbing, too, if placed well.

Will it work if i hook up a car battery to chicken wire or do I have to buy some special product?

 

[Aunt Angus]

A 12 volt.

Good gravy. Google electric fence energizers and READ THE DIRECTIONS. It's pretty easy. A garden troll could do it.

 

[casportpony]

Will it work if i hook up a car battery to chicken wire or do I have to buy some special product?

You need to buy a solar powered fence charger like one of these:
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/search/Zareba Mile Solar Fence?isItmUnpub=Y

 

[The smith family chicks]

You need to buy a solar powered fence charger like one of these:
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/search/Zareba Mile Solar Fence?isItmUnpub=Y
View attachment 2825460

Oh and then I connect that to my chicken wire? Also do I have to upgrade to hardware cloth too even if I have electric wire?

 

[casportpony]

Oh and then I connect that to my chicken wire? Also do I have to upgrade to hardware cloth too even if I have electric wire?

No, you cannot connect it to chicken wire, you have to install electric fence wire or netting. Please use Google.

Please read this:
http://www.poultrydvm.com/featured-infographic/tips-for-protecting-poultry-from-predators