Protecting Chickens from Predators

Tips for outfoxing your competition

Chickens are irresistible, and not just to you. They're atop the lunch list for a variety of wild animals, and most of the neighborhood dogs. With a little planning and insight, you'll be the hero to your birds.

Know the enemy

A fox in the chicken coop is cliche for a reason, but foxes are also the easiest to deter: keep your chickens cooped up. Raccoons are a tougher foe. They will patiently seek out weak spots in your backyard chicken coops, and break in. Weasels will try to reach through a hole and pull a chicken out. Some weasels can even squeeze through a hole as small as a quarter, and once they're in, they can do a lot of damage. Solid or mesh walls will keep even small invaders out. Our professionally designed backyard chicken coops are your best defense.

Feel like sleuthing? Spread a little lime powder or flour around your chicken houses, then look for tell-tale tracks. A long, blurred line fingers a snake. Don't be shocked to see shoe-prints. Rustlers still exist, so you may need a lock on the chicken coop door. No tracks at all? Check the lid: your enemy might be an owl or hawk.