Chicken predators identification control

Chicken predators identification control

The most effective means of predator proofing is locking up chickens at night before twilight. A secure coop needs to have four walls, a roof, a real floor (cement pad), and a door that can be locked tight. Situating the coop in close proximity to the house or other areas of frequent and regular human and animal activity not only discourages wild visitors but also allows for quick action if an invasion occurs. Chicken-friendly dogs, other fowl, such as guinea fowl or geese, or even goats can sometimes be a deterrent to predators. Many people install baby monitors and security cameras in their coops and barns.

A perimeter fence is needed to keep the chickens in a protected outdoor area during the day. Any fence has to be at least five feet high. If the area adjacent has overhanging tree branches expect lightweight chickens to fly up to roam the tree tops. Fences can be made from a variety of materials but durability is essential for long-term security. Those made of chicken wire will rust and break down in a couple of years. The more common and widely available welded wire fencing can break and an insistent raccoon can push his way through. Woven wire fencing is best (two-inch gauge or less) because there are no welds to corrode and break. The fencing has to be buried underground at least a foot or folded outward on the ground for a foot and a half to deter burrowing predators.

An alternative to perimeter fencing is to erect a secure outdoor pen with prefabricated chain link panels (available at most pet stores and home building supply stores). The panels are economical, very sturdy, lightweight, easily assembled, and can be moved around and reconfigured easily. The panels are securely attached to the coop or other structure with appropriate wood adaptor fence clamps or brackets (Figure 1) . The top of the pen is covered with UV resistant golf netting or a prefab kennel cover (Figure 2). The open chain link panels are supplemented with a smaller mesh chicken wire secured with UV resistant cable ties at the top and bottom perimeters to deter climbing and digging (Figures 3 & 4). Planting or landscaping can cover the mesh over the ground. Large concrete patio pavers can also be placed under the fencing instead of mesh to prevent digging.

Read More