If you’re a chicken keeper, you know how important it is to protect your flock from predators.
Unfortunately, one of the most common predators of chickens is the raccoon.
They have a knack for getting into coops and runs and stealing eggs and birds.
So, what do you do when you find a raccoon eating your chickens? Don’t worry! In this article, we’ll show you how to get rid of raccoons eating your chickens.
We’ll discuss prevention strategies, repellents, professional wildlife removal, humane trapping and relocating, and cleaning the coop and run.
Together, let’s make sure your chickens are safe and sound!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
The best way to get rid of a raccoon eating your chickens is to make it difficult for them to access your chickens.
This includes securing the coop, removing potential food sources, and installing motion-activated lights or sprinklers near the coop.
It can also help to secure the perimeter of your property with a fence to make it more difficult for the raccoon to access your chickens.
If all else fails, you can contact a pest control professional to humanely trap and remove the raccoon.
The Problem
When it comes to protecting your chickens, one of the most troublesome critters you may come across is the raccoon.
Not only are these animals incredibly clever and persistent, they can also be quite destructive when they get access to your chickens.
If you’ve got a raccoon raid on your hands, it’s important to act quickly and take the necessary steps to protect your feathered friends.
But before you can get rid of a raccoon, you need to understand how they got into your chicken coop in the first place.
Raccoons are notorious for their ability to climb, dig, and squeeze through tight spaces, so it’s important to inspect your coop and runs for any potential entry points they may be using.
Make sure that all of your fencing and coverings are in good condition and secure enough to keep a raccoon out.
If there are any holes or gaps in the fencing, you’ll need to fix them before the raccoon can get back in.
Additionally, raccoons are also attracted to food sources, so make sure there aren’t any treats or scraps lying around that may be tempting them.
Prevention
When dealing with raccoons eating your chickens, prevention is key.
The best way to protect your chickens from raccoons is to make sure that all of your chicken coops and runs are securely enclosed with sturdy fencing and coverings.
This will ensure that raccoons cannot get inside and get to your chickens.
Make sure that all of your fencing is securely fastened and that there are no gaps or holes that a raccoon could squeeze through.
Additionally, you can also add an extra layer of protection by installing motion-activated lights or sprinkler systems around the perimeter of the coop.
This will startle any raccoons that may decide to try and get inside and keep them away.
Motion-Activated Lights or Sprinklers
Motion-activated lights and sprinklers are an effective way to deter a raccoon from eating your chickens.
While the light won’t harm the animal, the bright light can cause it to flee in fear.
Additionally, the motion-activated sprinkler will startle the raccoon when it triggers, which will again cause it to flee.
In order to be effective though, it’s important to set these systems up correctly around the perimeter of the coop or run.
Make sure to position the motion sensors to cover any potential entry points, and also be sure to test them out to ensure they are triggered properly.
Additionally, be sure to make any necessary repairs or replacements to keep the system working optimally.
With the right setup, these motion-activated systems can be incredibly effective at deterring raccoons from your chickens.
Repellents
When it comes to preventing raccoons from eating your chickens, one of the most effective methods is using repellents.
Repellents can range from natural substances like mothballs, ammonia, and cayenne pepper, to commercial repellents that are specifically designed to deter raccoons.
Mothballs are a powerful, natural repellent that can be used to keep raccoons away from your chickens.
Mothballs contain a chemical compound called naphthalene, which is effective at deterring animals like raccoons.
To use mothballs, simply scatter them around your chicken coop and runs.
Keep in mind that mothballs can be toxic to other animals, so be sure to use them sparingly and keep them away from pets and children.
Ammonia is another effective natural repellent that can be used to deter raccoons.
Ammonias strong odor will discourage raccoons from entering your chicken coop or run.
To use ammonia, simply pour it around the perimeter of your coop and runs.
Make sure to wear gloves and keep it away from children and pets.
Cayenne pepper is another powerful natural repellent that can be used to keep raccoons away from your chickens.
Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which is an irritant that will ward off raccoons.
To use cayenne pepper, simply sprinkle it around the perimeter of your chicken coop and runs.
In addition to natural repellents, there are also commercial repellents on the market that are specifically designed to deter raccoons.
These repellents are usually a liquid or granular formula that can be sprayed or scattered around the perimeter of your coop and run.
Many of these repellents contain natural ingredients like garlic, peppermint, and citronella, which are effective at deterring raccoons.
Repellents are an effective way to keep raccoons away from your chickens, but they should be used in conjunction with other deterrents like motion-activated lights and sprinklers.
Used together, these methods can provide a powerful deterrent to keep raccoons away from your chickens.
Professional Wildlife Removal Service
When all else fails, it may be necessary to enlist the help of a professional wildlife removal service.
These services are typically staffed by experienced professionals who are trained in dealing with raccoons and other wildlife.
They can help you identify the animal and determine the best course of action.
They can also provide advice on how to prevent future raccoon invasions.
When it comes to trapping and removing the raccoon, professional wildlife removal services are the experts.
They know the best techniques for safely and humanely capturing and removing the raccoon from your property.
This can help you avoid any potential legal issues that may arise if you try to trap the animal yourself.
Professional wildlife removal services can also provide assistance in cleaning up any mess the raccoon may have left behind.
In addition to trapping and removing the raccoon, professional wildlife removal services can provide advice on how to make your property less attractive to raccoons in the future.
They can also provide advice on how to protect your chickens from becoming raccoon prey in the future.
Humanely Trapping and Relocating the Raccoon
If youve tried all of the above methods but the raccoon persists in eating your chickens, you may need to humanely trap and relocate the animal.
Humanely trapping a raccoon involves setting up a cage or live trap in an area where the animal is likely to pass through.
You should bait the trap with something that raccoons like to eat, such as fruit, peanut butter, or canned fish.
Once the raccoon is trapped, you can then relocate it to a safe area away from your property.
Its important to note that you should never attempt to relocate a raccoon yourself, as this is illegal in many states and can also be dangerous.
Instead, you should contact a professional wildlife removal service to handle the job for you.
They will know how to safely and humanely trap and relocate the animal, and they may even be able to provide advice on how to prevent future raccoon invasions.
Cleaning the Coop and Run
When it comes to getting rid of a raccoon that is eating your chickens, one of the most important steps is to make sure your coops and runs are properly secured.
A sturdy fence should be used to enclose the area and coverings should be used to prevent the raccoon from getting inside.
If you are unable to properly fence the area, you can set up a motion-activated light or sprinkler system around the perimeter of the coop, which may scare the raccoon away.
Additionally, you should inspect the coop and run to make sure that there are no holes or other openings that the raccoon may be using to enter.
If you do find any, they should be sealed off as soon as possible.
Lastly, make sure to clean up any spilled feed and debris that may be attracting the raccoon to your coop.
Final Thoughts
Taking control of a raccoon problem is no easy task, but with the right steps you can get your chickens back to safety – and keep them there! Start by securing your coops and runs, setting up motion-activated lights and sprinklers, and using repellents like mothballs, ammonia, and cayenne pepper.
If all else fails, contact a professional wildlife removal service to humanely trap and relocate the raccoon.
Finally, be sure to clean the coop and run to deter any other critters from coming in.
With these tips in mind, you can take your chicken coop back from the raccoons and protect your feathered friends!