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
Raccoons are found throughout most of North America, including all of the continental United States except for a few Western states. They are nocturnal omnivores that will eat just about anything, including plants, insects, rodents, birds, and eggs
Raccoons can see well at night and have a strong sense of smell. They are smart and persistent, especially when it comes to finding food. Their paws are very flexible and can open latches, tear through weak barriers, and pick up eggs and small prey with ease.
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:
-
Remove attractants: Get rid of any food sources that could draw raccoons to your property. This includes pet food, unsecured compost piles, and open trash cans.
-
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: Remember to keep your chickens safe inside the coop every night. 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. Their diet is similar to that of other wild omnivores such as coyotes, bears, or foxes, all of which are associated with preying on chickens. Raccoons can easily take down small breed hens, and if hungry enough, will make an attempt at standard or large breed hens.
While this small predator might not be the first that comes to mind when preparing your chickens’ area for attempts by predators, raccoons shouldn’t be overlooked. 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. Many times, raccoons will reach out and grab their prey. This can make chicken wire look bowed, stretched, or even broken where it is joined.
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 owners put trail cameras or security cameras that turn on when motion is detected around the area where their chickens are kept to keep an eye out for predators and find out what kind of predator came to visit their coop.
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 keep raccoons from eating your chickens, you can secure your coop, take away food sources, and use deterrents, among other things.