How to Protect Chickens From Feral Animals

Raising chickens is a very rewarding hobby or business. Proper shelter and protection will ensure a healthy production of eggs and meat for sale or consumption. Feral animals often find ways into the henhouse, and building adequate protection for the chickens is tantamount. There are many different ways to provide protection to chickens from feral animals.

Things You'll Need

  • Chicken wire
  • Electric fencing
  • Cement blocks
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the number of chickens needing protection. The henhouse size will determine the type and scale of protection. The larger the henhouse, the larger the security system will be.

    • 2

      Build the henhouse or coop with quality materials. Home improvement centers such as Lowe's or Home Depot, offer great chicken coop building materials.

    • 3

      Ensure that the coop or henhouse has proper height off of the ground. Raise the coop off of the ground at least 4 feet. This will keep small grain or corn eating rodents out of the space.

    • 4

      Fence in the chicken coop with appropriate chicken wire. This wire is available at farm stores and local agricultural supply stores.

    • 5

      Place an electric fence around the coop. This will deter any larger feral animals from pushing their way into the coop. Connect the electric fence directly to the chicken wire surrounding the henhouse.

    • 6

      Lay a foundation of cement bricks or cinder blocks around the perimeter of the henhouse. This prevents dogs and foxes from digging their way under the chicken wire or electric fencing.