How do I protect my free range chickens from raccoons?

Foxes, raccoons, birds of prey and even snakes can all pose a threat to a free-range flock. To protect your chickens from predators, you’ll need to consider installing appropriate fencing, providing shelter, keeping your chickens indoors at night and using guard animals to keep predators at bay.

How do you make a predator proof chicken Run?

11+ Tips for Predator-proofing Chickens

1. Don’t allow Chickens to Roost Outside.
2. Never Rely on Chicken Wire for Safety.
3. Install ¼ inch Hardware Cloth Liberally.
4. Bury it or put an Apron on It.
5. Cover the Run.
6. Close Coop and Run Doors at Dusk.
7. USE 2 STEP LOCKS ON DOOR LATCHES.
8. ELIMINATE FEED.

Can raccoons chew through chicken wire?

Raccoons and other predators can tear right through it like tissue paper. (Chicken wire should only be used to keep chickens in, not to keep predators out.) Ideally, use hardware cloth with a fine mesh that raccoons can’t reach through (use 1/2″ or 1/4″).

How do you stop wind in a chicken coop?

If that is the only place available, set up a sheet of wood (make sure you attach it firmly to poles) and drill a few holes in the wind to let the wind through while still effectively blocking the majority of the wind power. Shrubs, fences and trees are all excellent wind blocks.

Do raccoons eat chicken feed?

In addition, they will eat all the chicken food left out if given the chance. It is best to remove all feed and empty the bowls before locking the chickens in the coop for the night. Raccoons will also eat the food left out in the run.

What kind of locks can raccoons open?

Secure door latches – raccoons can open doors and lift latches. Use a padlock or a carabiner clip to secure door latches. An adopter of ours had ducks inside her house and a raccoon broke into the house going through two doors to reach and kill her ducks.

Will coyotes dig under chicken coop?

Some predators, such as fox and coyotes, can access the coop in minutes by easily digging underneath the enclosed outside portion of their housing (chicken run). To help combat this type of behavior, simply surround the chicken’s run with a 2 foot wide apron of hardware cloth.

How do I keep raccoons away from my chicken coop?

Mix a small bottle of cayenne pepper with a bottle of hot sauce, then add both to a gallon of water and shake well. Spray this pepper solution around your plants, bushes, and other garden greenery. If you’re trying to deter racoons from prowling your chicken coop, spray it around the perimeter, as well.

Should I put a tarp over my chicken run?

Wrapping your run can help provide a wind block, as well as prevent snow from drifting into your run. Using these semi-transparent tarps (links to various sizes are at the bottom of this post) is so great because they keep out the wind but let in sunlight. Creating almost a greenhouse effect in your chicken run.