We all want to protect our babies, building a predator proof chicken coop is probably the most important aspect of protecting them. Chicken predators come in all shapes and sizes. Cats, dogs, snakes, owls and hawks, for example. The list can be daunting. Here are some quick tips to get you started with predator proofing your chicken coop.

Motion sensor lighting is an obvious first choice. Nocturnal predators, such as coyotes, foxes, and owls, hunt at night and are easily startled simply by turning the light on and off. While this has worked in a number of situations for many people, it’s not always the final solution you’re looking for. Eventually, the predator will be hungry enough to ignore the light or at least make a mad dash to the food in hopes of getting away with it.

Secure your chickens during the night hours to keep them away from predators. A predator-proof chicken coop should be strong enough to keep hungry local animals out. Dogs and foxes can easily tear through the thin material. A determined raccoon will untie your latches, they are smart creatures too! Using 2-step latches really helps. Keep in mind that a raccoon can pick the same locks as a 2-year-old can. Close up any small holes that snakes, mice, rats, or weasels could get into. These guys will eat your eggs and won’t stop coming back even though they’ve been relocated.

Chicken wire is a terrible way to protect a chicken coop from predators. Chicken wire is very thin and designed to keep chickens inside; most animals can easily tear it from the outside. Instead, it was necessary to use 1/2 hardware cloth to keep out small animals like mice and snakes and cattle fencing to keep out larger predators. Keep in mind that some animals like fox and coyote can easily dig a couple of feet in a few minutes. spreading the cloth or wire down into the ground usually prevents them from digging past the fence. My experience tells me that predators are lazy and will always look for the easiest food available and leave the chickens alone if they have to work too hard for it.

A caged roof over the track keeps those pesky climbing and flying predators out. A predator-proof chicken coop can keep out aerial threats like owls, hawks, and other birds of prey. Yes, birds of prey can fly with your chickens. Even the Orpington chicken, which is quite a large breed! In most cases, cheap netting will work unless you have problems with animals jumping over the fence and attacking your babies.

In conclusion, its location decides what is needed to make a predator-proof chicken coop. Different areas and settings have different predators and dangers. An electric fence is sometimes required, especially if you are in an area that has bears and bobcats as predators. Not many animals will go beyond the first hit, surprise them!