Racoon-proof chicken tractor plans needed

[forester7]

I have raised broilers in a cooop for years, but I would like to try them in a chicken ttractor now. However, we have lots of racoons in our area. The tractor will not always be on level ground and I am concerned racoons will dig under the tractor to get in. With 20 broilers, I don't want to risk that. Does anyone know an easy way to ensure racoons will not get under? I have heard of people setting up an electric fence around, but that seems liek a lot of work to set up a fence every time I move the tractor. Any ideas out there?

 

[forester7]

I just ran across the idea of using a wire mesh apron extending 2 feet out around the edge. I like that idea because it is simple, but I think the tall grass around my tractor would keep the wire from layign down flat and the racoons would just squeeze underneith to dig. Any thoughts on that?

 

[MVchickens]

Electro net is the way to go. You can buy short sections and solar chargers to make life easy. I have a 4x8 tractor and 50' length of poultry net plus. I can move the tractor 4 times before moving the fence, and moving the fence takes about 10min total. It is important to make sure you have a solid charge and that your fence is not grounding on tall grass because the one night the fence is down is the one night the racoon's will attempt an entry. My tractor is entirely 1/2" hardware cloth just in case, but it does just sit on the ground.

 

[aart]

I have heard of people setting up an electric fence around, but that seems liek a lot of work to set up a fence every time I move the tractor.

Probably easier than dinking with an apron on unlevel ground with long grasses.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I too vote for electric.

Aprons work best for stationary coops. Pinning or weighing down an apron every time a tractor is moved would be just as much if not more work than using a portable electric fence.

 

[Alaskan]

Good portable electronics fences are a breeze to set up, really.

All you have to do is keep reminding yourself to unroll or roll up neatly so it doesn't tangle... but then easy peasy.

Most have a step in foot part, so no bending needed. If you have one really long high quality electric cord, and one really long insulated wire to hook up to a ground... that is all you need.

I would put the cord plug and my electric fence charger on a small bucket, put a larger bucket upside down over the small one, and tada, weather proof.

 

[forester7]

I already have an electric fence nearby for my pigs. It would just be a matter of running a wire from it. Would a singel strand of electric be enough to ensure racoons are kept out?

 

[aart]

Would a singel strand of electric be enough to ensure racoons are kept out?

I seriously doubt it......netting would be much better.
A couple wires attached to the tractor might work.

 

[56Chicks]

If I can tag onto this question... how many joules do you all recommend for a roll of the Premier1 poultry netting? I have foxes and coyotes as well as raccoons. Thank you!

 

[aart]

If I can tag onto this question... how many joules do you all recommend for a roll of the Premier1 poultry netting? I have foxes and coyotes as well as raccoons. Thank you!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/a-treatise-on-electric-fences-for-poultry.72229/