Protecting your chickens from raccoons may not be your first thought when preparing for predators. However, they pose a real threat to chickens. Raccoons may appear cute, but they’re also crafty. These masked mischief-makers are notorious for infiltrating chicken coops not only in search of food, but for eggs – and even your hens.
Raccoons have five fingers, but lack an opposable thumb. Despite this, they have extremely sensitive hands. Combining this dexterity with deftness, raccoons can unlatch, untie, and unscrew safety and locking mechanisms. This makes wooden chicken coops particularly vulnerable to raccoon invasions. Predator-resistant chicken coops are essential to outwit raccoons and keep your flock safe.
Raccoons are notorious predators of backyard chickens. With their dexterous paws, intelligence, and relentless determination, they can wipe out an entire flock in just one night. While raccoons prefer to eat eggs, they will also kill and eat chickens if given the opportunity.
Understanding Raccoon Behavior
It is possible to find raccoons in most of North America, including the United States (except for a few Western states). They are omnivores that only come out at night and will eat almost anything, such as plants, bugs, rodents, birds, and eggs.
Raccoons have excellent night vision and a keen sense of smell They are known for their intelligence and persistence, especially when it comes to finding food They have nimble paws that can open latches, rip through weak barriers, and dexterously pick up eggs and small prey.
When a raccoon targets a chicken coop, it is rarely satisfied with just one victim. Raccoons will often go on killing sprees, brutally killing multiple chickens in one night. They typically kill by biting the head or neck and then eating the nutrient-rich organs like the crop and breast muscles. The carcasses they leave behind are a heartbreaking sight for chicken keepers.
Do Raccoons Eat Chickens?
Raccoons prefer to eat chicken eggs, but they will kill and consume chickens too. Although not documented scientifically, many chicken owners have caught raccoons in the act of killing chickens or found evidence the next morning.
Raccoons generally do not try to carry chickens away because of their size and weight. Instead, they kill them on the spot and eat select parts of the chicken’s body. The legs, breast muscles, crop, intestines, and reproductive organs are particular targets.
Raccoons can kill mature birds and will gladly do so if they have the chance. Eating chickens might not be their first choice, but they can and will kill them. It takes work to keep these masked thieves away from the chickens, but it can be done.
How to Protect Chickens from Raccoons
Here are some key tips to defend your flock against raccoons:
-
Get rid of things that raccoons think will attract them. Get rid of any food sources that raccoons might find appealing. This includes food for pets, compost piles that aren’t locked up, and trash cans that are left open.
-
Make your coop stronger. Raccoons can easily rip through chicken wire, so it won’t keep them out. Use 1/2 inch hardware cloth instead. Bury it underground and create an apron to prevent digging.
-
Use predator-proof locks: Simple latches and hooks will not stop clever raccoons. Install locks that require multiple steps to open.
-
Lock up at night: Make sure your chickens are safely locked inside the coop every single evening. Never leave doors or windows unsecured.
-
Install motion lights: Strategically placed lights will help scare off approaching raccoons at night.
-
Consider adding a guard animal: Some dogs, donkeys, or llamas will vigorously defend chickens from raccoons.
-
Use chemical repellents: While not foolproof, ammonia or capsaicin-based repellents may discourage raccoons from approaching.
-
Clean up any kills: Sadly, you may lose chickens even if you do everything right. Quickly and hygienically disposing of carcasses helps avoid encouraging repeat visits.
With persistence and adaptability, raccoons continue finding ways into chicken coops. Diligence is required to stay one step ahead and protect your vulnerable flock. But with secure housing, preventative measures, and a little luck, you can minimize the risk of your chickens becoming a midnight snack for masked bandits.
Do raccoons eat chickens?
Raccoons most certainly eat chickens. They eat the same kinds of things as wild omnivores like coyotes, bears, and foxes, all of which are known to eat chickens. Small breed hens are easy for raccoons to kill, but if they’re really hungry, they’ll try to kill standard or large breed hens too.
Raccoons are a small predator that might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re getting your chickens’ area ready for predators. They’re more abundant and adaptable than many other chicken predators, and are patient and calculating when looking for a meal.
Signs of a raccoon attack
Crafty as they may be, raccoons often leave evidence of their presence. Their footprints are very distinctive: 5-toed, slender, with an almost human-palm shape. Their droppings can also be very telling. Most raccoons incorporate lots of seeds, nuts, or berries into their diet, which are usually expelled resembling how they were ingested. Clumpy or nodule shaped droppings with noticeable seeds, nuts or berries is usually indicative of raccoons.
Damage to your chickens’ enclosure may also be evident. Look for claw marks (particularly around gates or latches), gnawed material, or stretched wire. Raccoons will often reach for their prey, so chicken wire may appear bent, stretched, or even broken at the welds.
Check other areas around your home such as garbage cans, outdoor pet areas, or wild bird feeders for the signs of raccoons being present. Some chicken keepers place trail cameras or motion activated security cameras around their flock’s enclosure to monitor for predators, and to confirm what type of predator paid their coop a visit.
How to Protect Your Chickens from Raccoons – Top Tips
FAQ
Do raccoons eat chickens or just kill them?
Yes, raccoons definitely eat chickens. They may kill more chickens than they eat in one night, especially if they can get to a large flock, but they have been known to eat chickens as well.
Will a raccoon eat an entire chicken?
Yes, raccoons may sometimes decapitate chickens, as they often target the head and neck area when attacking.
What is the best animal to protect chickens?
Stock guardian dogs, like the Great Pyrenees, Anatolian Shepherd, or Maremma Sheepdog, are the best pets to keep chickens safe. These dogs are naturally protective of their flock and can deter predators such as coyotes, foxes, and raccoons.
How do I get rid of a raccoon from eating my chickens?
To deter raccoons from eating your chickens, you can implement several strategies focused on securing your coop, removing food sources, and using deterrents.