How to Protect Chickens From Mink

If you are a chicken owner living near a stream or river, minks may be a problem for your birds. These semi-aquatic predators have been known to hunt chickens and are often successful. A member of the weasel family, minks are clever and small, sometimes able to fit through spaces as narrow as an inch. You can protect your chickens from minks in a variety of ways.

Things You'll Need

  • Galvanized sheeting
  • Wire mesh or hard wire cloth
  • Stapler
  • Mink repellent
  • Rodent-proof food containers
  • Sealing trash cans
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Instructions

    • 1

      Create a fence that does not have small holes. Use galvanized sheeting around the perimeter of the chicken yard. The minks will not be able to grip this smooth material.

    • 2

      Close openings to the hen house that are larger than 1 inch. Patch these areas with wire mesh or hard wire cloth. Look for any gaps in the walls, ceiling and floor. Staple the material over the holes.

    • 3

      Spray deterrents around the perimeter of your chicken yard. Buy mink deterrents made from a predator animal's urine, such as from a bobcat or mountain lion. The mink will think a predator is near and stay away.

    • 4

      Hide food that might attract minks to your yard and chickens. Seal all animal feed and bird seed in metal containers that are rodent-proof. Do not leave pet food outside. Pick up fallen fruits from trees and move song bird feeders away from the chicken area. Also, seal your trash in secure bins.

    • 5

      Call an animal control or animal removal specialist if the other methods of protection are unsuccessful. Do not try to trap minks yourself. Many states protect the creatures by law. If you trap or harm a mink, you could face legal action.