Hey everyone! 👋
One of the biggest challenges of raising chickens is keeping them safe from predators. Whether it’s hawks, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, snakes, or even neighborhood dogs, our flocks rely on us for protection.
🐔 Common Chicken Predators & How to Protect Your Flock
🔹 Raccoons – Smart, strong, and able to open latches!
✅ Use hardware cloth (not chicken wire) on all openings
✅ Lock coops & nesting boxes at night with predator-proof latches
🔹 Hawks & Owls – Silent but deadly from above
✅ Covered runs or bird netting to block aerial attacks
✅ Provide bushes, shelters, or hiding spots in free-range areas
🔹 Foxes & Coyotes – Sneaky and great diggers
✅ Bury fencing at least 12 inches deep to stop digging
✅ Use electric poultry netting for added security
🔹 Snakes & Rats – Looking for eggs & chicks
✅ Use ½-inch hardware cloth to block small openings
✅ Keep feed stored in sealed, rodent-proof containers
🔹 Loose Dogs & Neighborhood Pets – Sometimes more dangerous than wild predators!
✅ Reinforce fencing with strong wire, not flimsy mesh
✅ Make sure coops are secure at night
🔥 Extra Predator-Proofing Tips
✔ Install motion-activated lights to deter nocturnal predators
✔ Get a guard animal (livestock guardian dog, rooster, or even geese!)
✔ Regularly check fences and locks for signs of damage
