How to Predator-Proof a Chicken Coop: Ultimate Guide for Chicken Safety

 

Thinking about predator-proofing a chicken coop? Looking after chickens can be hard, especially for their safety.

In this guide, we will talk about smart things you can do to keep your chickens safe. 

This is not only a good thing to do but also very necessary. 

We will give you good advice and a helpful guide to secure your chicken coop. This way, you don't have to worry as much about your chickens getting hurt.

Keep reading!

Getting To Know the Predators

What are Common Chicken Predators?

Hawks

Owls

Foxes

Coyotes

Raccoons

Snakes

Stray Dogs and Cats

Knowing How Chicken Predators Act

To keep our chickens safe, it's good to know about each one of these animals and how they behave:

Hawks and Owls

 

Hawks hunt during the day, and owls hunt during the night. They both have strong eyesight and can spot chickens from far away. They can fly down very swiftly and grab chickens.

Foxes

 

Foxes are active during dusk and night and are very sneaky. They quietly come close to their target, then rush out suddenly to catch a chicken.

Coyotes

Coyotes can be seen during the day and night. They like to watch a chicken coop for some time, learning how things work before they decide to attack. They can dig under fences and are fast runners, making catching a chicken in an open field easy.

Raccoons

Raccoons are mostly active at night. They are very clever, known to figure out how to open doors and handles. They can also grab chickens through holes in the coop or fence. Sometimes, they dig under things to get into the coop.

Snakes

Some snakes are active during the day, while others may come out at night. Smaller snakes usually pose a threat to baby chickens and eggs. They quietly slither into chicken coops and can leave without anyone noticing after their meal.

Stray Dogs and Cats

Stray dogs and cats can be a problem at any time of the day. Dogs usually try to go into the chicken coop. At the same time, cats, good at climbing and jumping, can get over fences easily. Both types of animals may also try to dig underneath the coop or fence.

 

Knowing how these animals act helps us plan how to keep our chickens safe. The more we understand these dangers, the better we can protect our pets.

So, let's design a chicken coop that predators can't get into.

1. Choose the Right Location

Picking the right spot for your chicken coop is the first step in protecting it from predators. Where you put your coop can make a big difference in how safe your chickens are.

When thinking about where to put your coop, remember these points:

• Far from Woods: It's best to put your coop far from places with many trees. Predators like raccoons and foxes often hide in such areas.

• Lots of Sunlight: Pick a spot that gets a lot of sun. This helps keep the coop dry and scares away some predators.

• Near Your House: If the coop is close, you can watch over it more easily. This way, you can quickly act if your chickens are in danger.

 

2. Secure the Coop Structure

Once you've chosen the right location, it's time to build a sturdy and secure coop.

Strong Building

• Good Materials: Use strong materials for the walls and frame of the coop. This will make it harder for predators to get in.

• Strong Corners: Make the corners of your coop stronger. This helps ensure the coop stays in one piece even if large predators try to get inside.

• Safe Doors: Use doors that are made to keep predators out. They should have safe locks and latches.

Flooring and Base

• Digging Barriers: Using digging barriers around the base to stop predators from digging into the coop.

• Wire Mesh: Cover windows and vents with a strong wire mesh known as hardware cloth. This is stronger than regular chicken wire.

• Gravel or Cement: Put down gravel or cement as the coop flooring. This can help keep away animals that try to burrow in.

 

3. Strengthen the Walls and Roof

The walls and roof of your chicken coop are very important to prevent predators. 

For Walls and Siding

• Hardware Cloth over Chicken Wire: Using a strong wire mesh called hardware cloth is better than using chicken wire because it's more difficult for predators to tear it apart.

• Good Airflow: The coop needs good airflow but should be set up to keep predators out. Use vents and screens that keep predators away.

• Prevent Rodents: Close all small gaps or openings that tiny predators like rodents can use to get inside the coop.

For Roofing

• Roof Edges: Adding edges and eaves to the roof can stop climbing animals like raccoons from getting in.

• Strong Roofing Material: Use strong roofing materials that can keep predators away, which include bird netting.

4. Guarding with Bird Netting

Bird netting is a specially designed barrier that prevents avian predators, such as hawks, owls, and even small birds, from reaching your chickens. This protective measure deters birds and other predators out of your coop.

Here's why bird netting is important:

Full Protection

Bird netting covers the whole open space above your coop. This makes it hard for flying predators to come down and attack your chickens. It protects well, so you don't need to worry about losing your chickens.

Easy to Use

Using bird netting is simple and can be done without special tools or skills. This is great for people who have chickens in their backyard. Putting the netting up well keeps it tight and can handle bad weather. This helps protect the coop even more.

Safe and Kind

Bird netting is a good way to stop predators without hurting them. It is a safe way to keep the birds away from your chickens. The netting only keeps out the birds without harming them or causing environmental problems.

Fits Your Needs

You can find bird netting in all different sizes, materials, and types. This means you can pick the best one for your chicken coop and the kind of birds that live in your area. You can change the netting as needed to make it perfect for you.

If worth considering, take a second to check this tangle-free bird net specifically designed to keep hawks and other avian intruders at bay.

5. Implement Safety Measures

Following these additional safety measures will be highly helpful for added protection.

For Door and Window Security

• Strong Doors: Strong doors designed to keep predators at bay will ensure the coop is more secure. Installing strong locks and latches will further deter predators.

• Automatic Door Openers: Using automatic door openers that close when it gets dark and open when it gets light helps to prevent active predators during nighttime, adding an important layer of security.

• Lights That Turn on When They Detect Movement: Setting up motion-sensitive lights near the coop can scare away predators trying to approach at night.

Safe Eating and Drinking

• Safe Food Storage: Storing chicken feed in strong metal containers will keep it out of reach from rodents and other pests that may carry diseases or attract predators.

• High-up Food Trays: Providing elevated food trays off the ground will make it more difficult for predators to access them and will ensure better hygiene.

• Automatic Feed Dispensers: Using feed dispensers that release food during the day rather than the night will reduce the chances of attracting active predators during nighttime hours.

 

6. Be Guarded at Night

Here are some ways to ensure your coop is safe and locked at night:

• Timing System for Closing Doors: Use a system that can lock the coop doors when it gets dark. This way, you don't have to worry about locking the doors.

• Good-Quality Locks: Ensure you have strong locks on the coop doors. These will help keep predators out and your chickens safe inside.

• Checking Before Dark: Always check all doors and openings in the coop before nighttime. Make sure everything is locked and secure.

Additional Nighttime Safety Tips

Besides locking the coop, you can also try these methods to keep your chickens safe at night:

Safe Sleeping Space: Ensure the chickens have a safe place to sleep inside the coop, away from doors or windows, to keep them out of sight from predators.

Electrified Fencing: Some predators will try to dig or climb their way into the coop. You might want to use an electrified fence around the coop to scare them away.

Radio or Recorded Sounds: Some people like playing the radio or recording human voices near the coop at night. This can help scare away predators who think people might be around.

7. Use Animals as Guardians

Having other animals around your coop can help to protect your chickens from predators like:

Dogs

Geese

Alpacas 

Donkeys

How to Choose and Train Guard Animals

Before you get any guard animals, you should think about these things:

• The kind of predators in your area: Knowing the animals that may cause harm to your chickens will help you choose the right guard for your coop.

• How well the guard animal gets along with your chickens: Make sure the guard animal you choose will not harm your chickens. They should be friendly and calm around them.

• How much space you have: The space around your chicken coop should be big enough for your guard animal to move around.

Training and Supervision

Once you have your guard animal, you should:

• Train them properly: Teach your guard animals to watch and protect your chickens. Make sure they know what to do when they notice a dangerous animal.

• Supervise them: Keep an eye on your guard animals when they are with your chickens, especially at first. This will help ensure they are doing their job well and not causing any harm to the chickens.

Final Word

Every chicken owner must prioritize safety. Take this proactive guide. Ensure bird netting and a secure coop are in place, and let those predators beware.

Let's not become complacent. Continue monitoring and prepare for any unforeseen chicken challenges along your farming adventure.

Remember, danger could always lurk around the corner. Keep an eye out.