We all want to protect our babies, building a predator-proof chicken coop is probably the most important aspect of protecting them. Chicken predators come in all shapes and sizes. Cats, dogs, snakes, owls and hawks, for example. The list can be daunting. Here are some quick tips to get started with predator testing your chicken coop.

Motion sensor lighting is an obvious first choice. Nocturnal predators such as coyotes, foxes, and owls hunt at night and are easily startled by turning the light on and off. Although this has worked in various situations for many people, it is not always the final solution you are looking for. Eventually, the predator will be hungry enough to ignore the light or at least make a mad dash for the food in hopes of getting away with it.

Secure your chickens during the night hours to keep them away from predators. A predator-proof chicken coop should be strong enough to keep hungry local animals out. Dogs and foxes can easily tear through the thin material. A determined raccoon will untie your latches, they are clever creatures too! Using 2 step latches really helps. Keep in mind that a raccoon can pick the same locks as a 2-year-old can. Close up any small holes that snakes, mice, rats, or weasels can enter. These guys will eat your eggs and won’t stop coming back even though they’ve been relocated.

Chicken coop is a terrible way to predator proof a chicken coop. Chicken wire is very thin and designed to keep chickens inside; most animals can easily tear it apart from the outside. Instead, it was necessary to use 1/2 hardware cloth to keep out small animals like mice and snakes and cattle fencing to keep out larger predators. Keep in mind that some animals like fox and coyote can easily dig a couple of feet in a few minutes. stretching the fabric or wire down into the ground usually prevents them from digging past the fence. My experience tells me that predators are lazy and will always go for the easiest food available and leave the hens alone if they have to work too hard for it.

A caged roof over the track keeps those pesky climbing and flying predators away. A predator-proof chicken coop can keep out aerial threats like owls, hawks, and other birds of prey. Yes, birds of prey can fly with your chickens. Even the Orpington chicken, which is quite a large breed! In most cases, cheap nets will work unless you have a problem with animals jumping over the fence and attacking your babies.

In conclusion, your location decides what it takes to make a predator-proof chicken coop. Different areas and settings have different predators and dangers. Sometimes an electric fence is required, especially if you are in an area that has bears and bobcats as predators. Not many animals will go beyond the first blow, surprise them!

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