Chickens are a domesticated bird that are raised for meat and eggs. They are often kept by individuals at home for the same reasons.
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Chickens are kept all over the USA. They were extremely popular, until they were banned from many townships . Chicken "fervor" is growing as people want to know what is in their eggs, know the hens were treated right, and have much healthier eggs. Many people are pushing their townships to allow 3-4 hens in a backyard.
Yes, raccoons are omnivores and will kill and eat birds of all kinds. Chickens trapped in a coop are easy prey for a raccoon at night and they will make all attempts to get into them.