As a backyard chicken keeper, I’ve spent countless nights worrying about predators stalking my flock. One question that kept me up at night was: will raccoons dig under chicken coop structures to get to my precious birds? The short answer is YES – raccoons absolutely will dig under your chicken coop if given the opportunity, and they’re remarkably good at it.
The Raccoon Threat Is Real
Raccoons are incredibly intelligent and persistent predators with a particular fondness for chickens and eggs. These masked bandits are nocturnal opportunists that will explore every possible entry point to your coop, including digging underneath it. Many chicken owners have shared horror stories of waking up to devastation after a raccoon managed to tunnel under their seemingly secure coop.
According to discussions on BackYard Chickens forums and PoultryWizard raccoons are skilled diggers who will absolutely attempt to burrow under coops and runs to reach chickens. They’re calculating creatures that will work diligently to access your flock when they’re most vulnerable – typically at night.
How Deep Will Raccoons Dig?
When I first built my coop, I underestimated just how determined these critters can be. Based on experiences shared by other chicken keepers:
- Raccoons will typically dig down approximately 6-12 inches
- They may start digging efforts at the perimeter and tunnel inward
- They’re smart enough to test different spots around your coop’s perimeter
- They often return night after night until they find a way in
Signs Raccoons Are Trying to Dig Under Your Coop
How do you know if raccoons are targeting your coop? Look for these telltale signs
- Fresh dirt and disturbed soil around the perimeter of your coop
- Scratch marks or paw prints near the coop foundation
- Small holes or tunneling attempts
- Missing eggs or injured/killed chickens
- Nocturnal noises around the coop
- Chicken feathers scattered outside the coop
Effective Methods to Prevent Raccoons from Digging Under Your Coop
After experiencing a raccoon break-in myself, I’ve researched and implemented several effective methods to protect my flock. Here are the most reliable approaches:
Method 1: Hardware Cloth Buried Vertically
This is what many experienced chicken keepers recommend on forums like BackYard Chickens
- Use 1/2-inch or 1/4-inch hardware cloth (NOT chicken wire – raccoons can tear through it)
- Extend the hardware cloth at least 12-18 inches down into the ground vertically
- Secure it firmly to the coop structure
- Ensure there are no gaps where the cloth meets the coop
Method 2: Hardware Cloth Apron with Underground L-Shape
This method provides even better protection:
- Extend hardware cloth down vertically about 12 inches
- Then bend it outward at a 90-degree angle, extending another 12-24 inches horizontally away from the coop
- Bury this entire L-shaped barrier
- This prevents raccoons from digging down and then in
Method 3: Ground-Level Apron with Heavy Objects
If digging deep is difficult in your area:
- Create a horizontal apron of hardware cloth extending 18-24 inches around the coop perimeter
- Secure it flat on the ground
- Cover with heavy objects like cinder blocks, large rocks, or pavers
- Alternatively, cover with soil and grow grass or plants over it
Additional Raccoon Deterrents to Consider
Beyond the physical barriers, I’ve found these additional measures helpful:
- Motion-activated lights: Raccoons prefer darkness and may be scared away by sudden illumination
- Secure latches: Use two-step latches that raccoons can’t manipulate (they’re surprisingly dexterous)
- Remove attractants: Don’t leave feed outside overnight
- Predator-proof all sides: Remember raccoons can climb as well as dig
- Electric fencing: A small electric fence can be extremely effective (though this requires more setup)
- Natural repellents: Some claim that sprinkling cayenne pepper, garlic powder, or ammonia around the coop perimeter deters raccoons (though results vary)
Real-World Examples
On the BackYard Chickens forum, one member named Carolyn252 specifically asked about raccoons digging under runs. Responses confirmed that this is indeed a common problem. Another member, ducks4you, shared advice from a neighbor who lost chickens to raccoons. The neighbor recommended bending hardware cloth with about 1 foot running vertically along the inside of the run, then another 12+ inches bending horizontally and buried 4 inches deep.
According to PoultryWizard, “Raccoons are known for their cleverness and persistence when it comes to obtaining food, and digging under a chicken coop is no exception. These masked bandits are skilled diggers and can easily tunnel under the coop’s fencing or foundation to access the chickens inside.”
My Personal Experience
When I first got chickens, I thought a simple wooden coop with some chicken wire would be enough. Boy, was I wrong! After losing two of my favorite hens to a midnight raccoon raid, I completely rebuilt my coop’s foundation with proper predator-proofing.
I went with the L-shaped hardware cloth method, burying it about 18 inches deep and extending it outward another 24 inches. It was a ton of work (my back still reminds me about it), but since implementing this system two years ago, I haven’t lost a single chicken to predators.
Important Considerations for Your Specific Situation
Keep these factors in mind when predator-proofing:
- Local predator pressure: Areas with higher raccoon populations need more robust protection
- Soil type: Rocky soil might make deep digging difficult for raccoons (and for you when installing barriers)
- Coop location: Coops near wooded areas or water sources may face more raccoon activity
- Flock size: Larger flocks might attract more predator attention
- Seasonal changes: Raccoons may be more persistent during certain seasons when food is scarce
Common Mistakes to Avoid
In my experience helping other chicken keepers, these are the most common mistakes people make:
- Using chicken wire instead of hardware cloth – Chicken wire keeps chickens in but won’t keep predators out
- Not extending protection deep enough – A few inches isn’t sufficient
- Forgetting to secure the top – Raccoons are excellent climbers
- Leaving gaps or weak spots – Raccoons will test every inch of your defenses
- Underestimating raccoon intelligence – These animals can learn to open simple latches
The question isn’t really IF raccoons will dig under your chicken coop, but WHEN they’ll try. These clever predators are persistent, and it’s much better to invest in proper protection upfront than to learn the hard way after losing beloved birds.
By implementing a combination of deep barriers, hardware cloth, and thoughtful deterrents, you can sleep soundly knowing your chickens are safe from digging raccoons. Remember – the time and money spent on proper predator-proofing is always less painful than losing your chickens to predators.
Have you had experiences with raccoons trying to dig under your coop? What methods worked best for you? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments below!
FAQ About Raccoons Digging Under Chicken Coops
Q: How deep do I need to bury hardware cloth to prevent raccoons from digging under?
A: A minimum of 12 inches is recommended, but 18 inches provides better security.
Q: Is chicken wire sufficient to keep raccoons out?
A: No! Chicken wire is designed to keep chickens in, not predators out. Raccoons can tear through it easily. Always use 1/2-inch or 1/4-inch hardware cloth.
Q: Do raccoons give up after hitting a barrier, or will they try to dig further away?
A: Experiences vary, but many chicken owners report that raccoons will test multiple spots. The L-shaped barrier is most effective because it prevents them from simply digging deeper.
Q: Are there any natural deterrents that actually work against raccoons?
A: Results with natural deterrents are mixed. Some chicken keepers report success with strong smells like ammonia, garlic, or cayenne pepper, but physical barriers remain the most reliable protection.
Q: Do I need to worry about raccoons during the day?
A: Raccoons are primarily nocturnal, so most digging attempts occur at night. However, securing your coop at all times is still important, as desperate or sick raccoons may sometimes be active during daylight hours.
Where are raccoons found in the US?
Raccoons can be found in nearly every US state, with the exception of small portions of the Rocky Mountains, and southwestern states such as Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. The territory of this chicken predator also spans into Mexico and South America, all the way up into Canada. There are 7 different species of raccoons, but the most common is the North American raccoon. They’re members of the procyonidae family, and cousins to coatis, kinkajous, and ringtails.
Traditionally, raccoons make their homes in hollows of tree trunks or burrows, but throughout the years they’ve adapted to live in a variety of habitats. Raccoons now thrive in urban settings by taking up residence in attics, chimneys, and underneath houses or porches. In more rural settings, they will make their homes in barns, outbuildings, wood piles, or other opportune shelter options.
Collect eggs regularly
Eggs are a favorite snack among humans and omnivorous animals alike – and raccoons are no exception. It’s always best to remove eggs from the nesting box daily, even though chicken eggs can stay in the coop and still be edible for an extended period of time. By removing eggs before nightfall, you’ll prevent them from becoming a raccoon’s midnight snack.