How to keep your flock safe from predators

One of the biggest responsibilities (and challenges) of keeping chickens is knowing how to keep your flock safe from predators. No matter where in the world you live, be it urban or rural, chicken predators are never far away. Here’s how to understand the risks, prepare your setup, and stay proactive.

Know your enemy

Every region has its own chicken predators, but here are the most common types:

Coyotes and foxes — Smart, adaptable hunters that are crafty and cunning, able to dig, climb, and leap with ease.
Raccoons — Notorious for nimble paws that manipulate latches and for reaching through mesh runs.
Hawks, eagles, and owls — Aerial threats that target free-ranging flocks.
Snakes and weasels — Slender enough to squeeze through small gaps in runs or coops.
Neighborhood or family dogs and cats — One of the most overlooked threats, but often the most present.

No matter which chicken predators are prevalent in your area, the goal remains the same: to outsmart and make preparations against your flock’s foes.

Fortifying your flock against predators

Even though predators pose a significant threat to chickens, hope is not lost. There are several ways you can help protect your hens against predators. With the right setup, you and your flock will be able to sleep easy each night.

Capable coops

Predators typically attack at night, which is why your chicken coop is your flock’s fortress. Choosing a chicken coop with predator-resistant features makes all the difference in the fight against foes. Eglu Chicken Coops are constructed of rugged plastic, capable of withstanding bears to weasels, and every predator in between. And, the special locking mechanisms prevent raccoons from unlatching the doors.

Consider adding an Autodoor for an extra layer of security. Not only will your birds be put to bed on a schedule of your choosing, but the horizontal opening mechanism prevents paws from prying the door up and open. Set the Autodoor to open after dawn and close at dusk to prevent prime predator times, or manually open and close it. The Autodoor can be added to any existing setup, which helps turn Eglus and wooden coops into even more secure spaces.

Reinforced runs

Your flock’s outdoor space should also be protected from predators. The main threats to your hens during their active hours are from birds of prey (hawks, eagles, etc.) and from cats and dogs; though desperation in other species of predators may drive them out during the day. Because of this, your chicken run should be strong, have a top, and include measures to prevent digging.

Omlet’s fully enclosed Walk In Chicken Run is made from strong wire weld panels, and the anti-tunnel skirting around the perimeter deters digging to keep persistent predators out. Add a chicken run cover to keep the weather out, and to avoid attracting attention from aerial visitors. And while wild birds and migrating water fowl aren’t predators, they do have the potential to carry avian influenza to your flock. A run cover will keep your chickens safe from their droppings, offering additional protection for your flock.

The free-ranging philosophy

Free-ranging your flock always carries risks, and it’s always safest to keep them in a fully enclosed run. But if you do choose to let your flock out of their run, make sure it’s during broad daylight hours to avoid the most active periods for predators. Keep them in designated areas with chicken fencing so they stay closer to home — and safety.

Some chicken keepers find additional elements that help keep their free-ranging flocks safer. From repurposed inflatable props to motion activated sprinklers, you can get creative with how to scare off predators. Install security cameras in or around your setup to keep tabs on what may be visiting at night, and set up lights around the coop and run to help deter unwanted guests.

Check in regularly

Even the strongest setups need to be evaluated routinely. Weather, shifting soil, and the determination of predators can affect its integrity. Here’s a checklist for checking in on your chickens’ area:

Inspect the coop and run daily, looking for gaps, loose panels, or signs of digging or clawing.
Check all latches to make sure they’re secure and working smoothly.
Reinforce weak points and patch holes immediately.
Walk the entire perimeter after high winds, heavy rain, or snow to check for shifting.

Predators are opportunistic eaters, and if there’s a weakness, they’ll find it. Remove any leftover feed at the end of the day to prevent luring in rodents that will in turn draw predators in.

Omlet and your flock

Predator protection doesn’t need to be complicated. By starting with the right setup, you’ll set you and your flock up for stress-less success. Our chicken coops have a rugged design that withstand predator attempts, and our walk in chicken runs feature heavy-duty mesh and anti-dig skirting to keep predators in their place. With Omlet’s chicken products, predators that visit your setup will come hungry — and leave hungry.