Raccoons & Chickens: What You Need to Know
If you keep chickens, here's something critical: raccoons will go after your flock if they get the chance. These crafty predators are clever, persistent, and surprisingly strong—but with a few smart strategies, you can stay one step ahead and keep your flock safe.
Meet the Enemy: Raccoons 101
With their signature “bandit masks,” raccoons have the reputation (and skills!) of a true chicken thief. These animals can grow up to 30 inches long and weigh as much as 20 pounds. Sadly, chickens are no match without your protection.
Raccoons are found throughout most of North America—and even in parts of Europe and Asia where they've been introduced. In fact, they may be the #1 land predator of backyard chickens in the U.S.
How Raccoons Hunt
When a raccoon breaks into a coop or run, they rarely stop at just one bird. They often kill multiple chickens, usually leaving the bodies behind rather than carrying them off. Shockingly, they don’t eat much—often just the crop (where food is stored) or part of the chest—leaving behind heartbreaking destruction.
Their physical abilities are as scary as their instincts. Raccoons can:
- Climb fences and walls with ease
- Reach through small wire mesh openings
- Pull apart what they can reach—yes, even parts of birds
- Open simple latches, dig under fences, and pry open poorly secured wire
Protecting Your Flock from Raccoons
Here’s how to outsmart these furry felons:
1. Don’t Invite Them In: Avoid leaving out anything that might attract raccoons—especially pet food, bird seed, or open compost. In dry conditions, even a water source can be enough to lure them in.
2. Reinforce Your Coop & Run: Never rely on chicken wire to keep predators out. It’s great for keeping chickens in—but raccoons can rip through it like tissue paper.
- Instead, use hardware cloth with ½” or ¼” mesh, securely fastened.
- Bury mesh under the run or create an "apron" fence to stop them from digging in.
3. Use Raccoon-Proof Latches: Raccoons are problem solvers, but if your coop has a latch that requires two or more steps, most raccoons will give up and move on.
- A simple fix: add a screw-lock carabiner to your existing latch.
- Padlocks are a surefire option too—just a bit less convenient for you.
4. Lock Up at Night
Since raccoons are mostly nocturnal, it's crucial to lock your birds in every evening using the tips above. Free-ranging is safest during daylight hours.
Can Chickens Catch Rabies?
Good news—your flock can't get rabies. Birds simply don't have the right biology to contract the disease. However, raccoons can carry rabies and pose a risk to humans. If you see a raccoon out during the day, it could be sick. Be cautious and avoid contact.
