Can raccoons catch chickens in the open ?

kyron4 · Jul 6, 2022

Had a couple chickens get picked off , thinking it was a fox but with no repeat attacks and only raccoons getting caught, I'm thinking it may have been a coon. Both attacks happened about 10 am in the morning only the wood line while birds were free rangeing in the open. Not a hawk because both were drug into thick cover and no remains other than feathers and a wing were found. Can and will a raccoon run down, catch and kill, and drag off a full size chicken ? I have had any more issues since I remove 4 raccoons about two weeks ago. Any opinions ? -Thanks

Quarterhorses1 · Jul 6, 2022

If you ask me I say it was a raccoon

centrarchid · Jul 6, 2022

A raccoon could run a chicken down, although it would not be easy for the raccoon as a fresh chicken (not tired) could run faster. If the chickens got winded and tried to hide in the dense cover, then raccoons would have a much easier time. They can drag off a 7-lb rooster and even a 10-lb piglet, but they usually do not go very far.

Folly's place · Jul 6, 2022

I'd guess a canine, as a fox or something, would be more likely.
Some chickens 'freeze' when scared, not so good and easy to catch by any predator.
Mary

Data · Wednesday at 10:57 AM

Nothing left but feathers says Fox to me. Foxes are MUCH harder to trap than racoons. They are very smart and cautious. I've read many accounts from successful Fox trappers of baiting the trap with the door locked open to acclimate them to the trap. Foxes also need a longer trap than a racoon. 42" minimum length. Most traps you find in a store are 36" and won't do.

Can raccoons catch chickens in the open ?

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kyron4

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centrarchid

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Folly's place

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Data

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