Protect Your Flock from Chicken Predators (Video)

The best thing to do when setting up a chicken coop or shelter is to make sure it’s well fortified against the kinds of predators that can be found in your area. In general, make sure walls, floors and doors don’t have gaps or cracks that can allow predators to slip through. Use a narrow-gage galvanized wire to keep animals from reaching in. This wire should be buried six-inches deep and should run six inches perpendicular from the coop to deter predators from digging in to the coop.

Remember, it’s not always wildlife that can prey on your flock. Dogs and cats can also be likely culprits. Remember, snakes and rats may not kill the birds, but they can steal the eggs. Talking to other chicken owners in your area can help narrow down what predators have likely been causing problems for your flock. Odds are, if you are experiencing a problem with predators, a neighbor may be experiencing it as well.

To protect your flock from aerial predators, make sure your chickens have shelter to seek aside from their coop, such as tall grass or brush.

Subscribe to the MOTHER EARTH NEWS & Friends YouTube Channel