Chicken Predators: Keeping Them Out!

One problem most people have raising chickens is protecting them from chicken predators.  Chickens are easy prey to these animals because it’s difficult for them to defend themselves.  They’re not too fast and not too ferocious so they are the perfect prey.  If you want to keep these chicken predators out, here are a few suggestions.

There are claims that animals don’t like human scent.  There aren’t many conclusive studies to confirm this but many say this is the reason why humans are the least preyed upon.  To add human scent to the chicken coop, you can place old clothing in various areas of your chicken coop.  Human scent won’t prevent all hungry predators so it is strongly advised that you don’t use this idea as your only chicken predator deterrent.

One of the best deterrents is the chicken coop.  It should have a sturdy build to keep animals out.  Build the structure free from excessive holes and gaps.  An elevated chicken coop can prevent some of the smaller animals from entering the chicken coop.  Wrapping the roosting posts with wire will prevent chicken predators from biting through the posts.

A wire fence around a well built chicken coop offers great protection from predators.  The planks should run at least 10 inches deep into the ground to prevent animals from digging underneath.  The fence should be tall enough to prevent chicken predators from jumping over the fence.  The height will depend on the types of predators in your area but a 5 foot fence should be tall enough to keep out most animals.  If you have foxes in your area, your fence should be built closer to the 5 foot recommendation as they can jump nearly twice their own length.

Protection from chicken predators is crucial if you want to have chicken that can produce eggs for a long time.  Your protection methods will depend on the types of predators you have in your area.  The best deterrent is to use multiple methods instead of relying on just one.  A sturdy coop and a wire fence is a great combination.  Add the human scent for good measures and your chickens should be well protected.

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