Figuring out methods to shield chickens from predators is necessary if you wish to maintain a productive flock. On the listing of predators are sometimes rodents, skunks and snakes, however they’re hardly ever a hazard to grownup chickens.

Do Snakes Kill Chickens?

If snakes are allowed entry to a hen coop, they are going to fortunately dine on younger birds and eggs, however they pose little risk to grown birds. Whereas it’s doable for some massive, unique snakes to kill and eat complete grownup chickens, it could be moderately uncommon. In reality, it’s extra probably that an grownup hen will make a meal out of a snake than the opposite method round.

Indicators of Snakes within the Hen Coop

Except you’re capable of catch a glimpse of snakes coming into the coop, there shall be just a few mysterious indicators of their presence:

•   lacking chicks; no different clues
•   complete, lacking eggs; no different clues
•   lifeless, grownup chickens with a moist head (the place the snake tried to swallow it)

Easy methods to Hold Snakes Out of the Hen Coop

Snakes want to feast on rodents, resembling mice and rats, and can take up residence the place and when there are ample meals sources. Which means in case you have a resident snake, you probably have a rodent drawback as effectively.

Figuring out methods to shield chickens from predators means following all of the precautions for securing the coop. Like rodents, snakes can match via very small openings within the coop. Remove the meals supply and the snake will transfer on.

Do Opossums Kill Chickens?

A number of different widespread critters could pose a risk to your flock, although many of those scavengers are extra of a problem for keepers with younger birds or a lot of eggs.

Opossums are moderately widespread and stay in almost each nook of the nation, in some cities and most rural areas. Opossums want to scavenge for meals moderately than hunt for it. If she finds a method right into a hen coop, she’ll go for eggs first, consuming them on the spot. Younger chicks make straightforward pickings as effectively, and if within the temper to hunt, an opossum will goal grown chickens as effectively.

Mice within the Hen Coop – Good friend or Foe?

Know that mice and rats are extra of a nuisance if you’re questioning methods to shield chickens from predators than a real risk to grownup chickens. Whereas they’re actually able to killing child chicks, solely a really massive, very hungry and really motivated rodent will try and kill an grownup hen. Rats and mice are likely to view the coop as a heat, dry shelter during which to make a nest, notably if there’s hen feed to feast on close by.

Do Skunks Kill Chickens?

Not like the mammals within the weasel household, skunks hardly ever hunt grown birds. They have an inclination to go for younger chicks or eggs virtually completely. The skunk’s scent is far stronger than that of the mustelid mammals, so if you’re conscious of its scent, you could be pretty sure it has paid your flock a go to. 

Easy methods to Shield Chickens from Predators

Hen predators are available all shapes, sizes and species. They fly, crawl, stroll, stalk and slither.

Some acquire entry to your birds by climbing partitions, others by slipping via fences, some by digging underneath enclosure perimeters and some by merely charging within the mild of day. Some are huge. Some are small. Some are so artful they’ll move undetected till they strike. 

Chickens are hardly ever secure, they usually comprehend it. By nature, chickens are usually standoffish, skittish, flighty and a tad bit paranoid. Hen fanciers typically discover their habits quirky and endearing, however what we see as “simply being bizarre” is known as a well-honed protection mechanism. It’s no marvel chickens are continuously on the alert. Practically each predatory creature, home or feral, finds them to be straightforward, tasty prey. On prime of that, chickens have only a few pure defenses. They’ve poor eyesight in low mild and no tooth or energy with which to defend themselves. Between the pure fight-or-flight response, flight is the one viable choice—they usually can’t even try this very effectively.

So, as their keeper, it’s your responsibility to make use of your wits, instruments and assets to make sure the flock’s security. Right here’s how…

1. Keep a Safe Coop

The primary protection, of course, is by constructing and sustaining a safe coop. Lock up behind your birds every night, ensuring they’re secure on the most susceptible time of day.

2. Assume Like a Predator

That is one of the best ways to remain one step forward of the marauders and to really maintain your birds secure. What are your native predators’ strengths? How do they acquire entry to chickens? How would they maim or kill, and what time of day do they have a tendency to strike? These are all necessary questions any hen keeper should ask in regards to the predators that hunt close by.

3. Be Diligent 

Chickens are really easy to take care of and have so few wants in comparison with different pets and livestock that it’s typically straightforward to neglect that they’re some of the susceptible. It’s straightforward to develop into complacent within the each day routine and let your guard down, even simply as soon as. That one slip-up—the one, tiny hole in fencing or the one time you neglect to lock them up at night time—could possibly be a predator’s method in and spell catastrophe to your flock.

It’s critically necessary to take the required precautions and set up a great protection from the get-go. Don’t wait till a predator has already visited your flock.

What To Do If a Predator Assaults

If and when an assault occurs, be ready to don your detective’s cap. Except you catch the marauder within the act, you’ll be counting on clues on the crime scene to find out which species made the assault. It may be surprisingly exhausting to determine who was accountable.

1. Verify for Apparent Factors of Entry

What do you see as you scan the hen coop and run’s perimeter? Are there gaps or torn holes within the fencing? Indicators of digging? A window or door left ajar or pried open?

Verify for apparent animal tracks across the enclosure. In case you have muddy or snowy circumstances, you might get fortunate and discover some.

2. Take Stock

What number of birds have been killed? What time of day did the assault occur? Had been any birds eaten? If that’s the case, which physique components? Are there any lacking birds? If there are surviving birds, what’s the nature of their wounds? 

Easy methods to Shield Chickens from Predators – Key Takeaways

Chickens are straightforward prey for thus many predators that it’s troublesome to maintain monitor. From feral cats to foxes, hawks and snakes, every predator has its personal distinctive modus operandi that serves as a calling card, offering clues to what you and your chickens are coping with. So use preventative measures, the place doable, and maintain a secure and safe coop. 

This text about methods to shield chickens from predators initially appeared within the Nov./Dec. 2023 challenge of Chickens journal. Click on right here to subscribe.