Keeping your chickens safe from predators is one of the biggest challenges for any backyard chicken keeper. Recently, I’ve had a couple of close calls—a hawk attempted to swoop down on my girls, and coyotes ran through our yard in broad daylight! Living along a river means raccoons are common too. From raccoons and foxes to hawks and even neighborhood dogs, there are plenty of threats to your flock!
Here’s how to predator-proof your chicken coop to keep your feathered friends safe.
1. Choose a Safe Location for Your Chicken Coop
The first step in predator-proofing your coop is choosing the best possible location. If you live in an urban area with limited space, you may have fewer options, but here are some things to keep in mind:
Avoid Dense Brush: Predators can hide in dense brush, so try to place your coop in an open area.
Use Natural Barriers: Fences, hedges or even bushes can help deter animals from approaching the coop.
Clear Line of Sight: Keep the coop visible, making it easier to spot any sneaky predators.
2. Build a Sturdy Coop with Secure Materials
When it comes to predator-proofing, building a strong, secure coop is essential. Your chicken coop should be sturdy enough to withstand an attack. Here are some must-haves:
Solid Walls and Roof: Make sure walls are strong and the roof is secure.
Bury Hardware Cloth: We dug hardware cloth down at least a foot around the coop to stop digging predators like raccoons.
Reinforced Doors and Windows: Use tight-fitting, reinforced doors and cover any screen-only windows with hardware cloth to allow ventilation while keeping predators out.
3. Store Chicken Feed in Airtight Containers
Feed can attract a lot of unwanted pests, so storing it properly is a must. We use airtight metal containers to keep rodents and other predators out. While I keep a feeder available for my flock all the time, some people prefer feeding only at specific times to reduce attraction to the area. Regularly cleaning up uneaten scraps and collecting eggs promptly can also help keep predators at bay. I also use Coop Recuperate, which includes organic eucalyptus and lemongrass oils, as a natural deterrent for smaller pests.
4. Add Motion Sensor Lights and Consider Guard Animals
Motion sensor lights are another effective way to deter predators. I’ve installed them around the coop, and they startle any animal that comes near. For added protection, some people keep guard animals like roosters or even dogs bred for flock protection. Breeds like the Great Pyrenees or other shepherding dogs are popular choices for keeping predators away from the coop!
5. Perform Routine Checks and Maintenance
Routine maintenance is key! Check your coop regularly for signs of predator attempts or any areas that might need reinforcement. Chickens are curious (and quite messy!) creatures, so a quick clean-up and inspection can make all the difference in keeping them safe.
Taking these steps to predator-proof your chicken coop will give you peace of mind and help keep your flock happy and safe!
Until next time,
–The Wing Lady
Coop Recuperate - Freshen Up Your Chicken Coop Coop Recuperate is a safe and natural way to care for your coop. This coop refresher contains organic eucalyptus and lemongrass essential oil, along with diatomaceous earth to red