Scents to keep raccoons away?

[tierneyy]

Hi there,

New to the forum

I have three backyard chickens in the suburbs. I've had a lot of issues with raccoons getting into my coop in the past and eating my poor chickens. Luckily now I have a very well made coop that I lock up tight at night and it seems to be keeping them out. But just to be safe, I'm wondering if there's any kind of scent (or other keep away tactics) I could use to keep raccoons away? I woke up around 6am one morning to find one terrorizing them from the outside. I know they are clever little jerks and I want to do everything I can to keep this flock safe.

Thanks!

 

[chickengeorgeto]

No smell keeps your hens safe from raccoons better than the smell of cold steel, burning gun powder, and hot lead. Sorry if this was not the answer you expected but it is the truth.

 

[tierneyy]

No smell keeps your hens safe from raccoons better than the smell of cold steel, burning gun powder, and hot lead. Sorry if this was not the answer you expected but it is the truth.

LOL. I'm not a violent person, but I would feel deep seated satisfaction shooting one of these urban trash pandas. Unfortunately I've never shot a gun and would likely just hit one of my other chickens

What about this raccoon skull and penis cross bone I have hanging outside the coop? I'm hoping it works like a voodoo hex.

 

[microchick]

Have a Heart trap baited with marshmallows and a container of water. That is what I used to catch the thieving raccoon that stripped our corn patch. Then apply a liberal dose of .223 lead to the top of the head, dump body where vultures can enjoy it and carry on.

Only good coon is a dead one, IMHO and unless you have a tough guard dog standing guard, nothing is going to stop them except for extreme prejudice.

 

[FrankHomestead]

The smell of a good dog will keep them away

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! The smell of the chickens will continue to attract them, never mind the dog! I've had fewer problems with raccoons since having a very safe coop and run, and only having food, treats, etc, in there. No spreading goodies around outside, only in the predator proof area. Then, trap and shoot! I use a 22, but several people here use an air gun effectively in town. When the critter is in the live trap, it will come at you, or at least face you, so a good head shot is easy. You can put the muzzle of the gun right in the trap, so you aren't damaging the trap. Raccoons are cute, until you have chickens and see what they can do. Mary

 

[centrarchid]

The feed and chickens alone will attract raccoons by smell. Repelling efforts would come in the form of fencing as the least-cost option.

 

[Sara Ranch]

https://www.homeremedyhacks.com/17-simple-home-remedies-to-get-rid-of-raccoons/

cayenne pepper
ammonia
cucumber
vinegar
epsom salt
vegetable oil

 

[centrarchid]

https://www.homeremedyhacks.com/17-simple-home-remedies-to-get-rid-of-raccoons/

cayenne pepper
ammonia
cucumber
vinegar
epsom salt
vegetable oil

I do not think that is well founded by any sort of studies. Some mammals learn to like cayenne pepper like my dogs.

 

[Sara Ranch]

I've even learned to like cayenne pepper - growing it, using it in meals!

Around here, I saw a raccoon walking across the road carrying, upright, a Dunkin' Donuts coffee cup. LoL! (yes, for real)