Do possums like to eat chicken?

Possums are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. They are known to scavenge and eat a variety of things, including:

* Fruits: Berries, apples, peaches, etc.

* Vegetables: Corn, tomatoes, etc.

* Insects: Beetles, crickets, moths, etc.

* Small animals: Mice, rats, birds, snakes, etc.

* Carrion: Dead animals

* Garbage: Leftovers, food scraps, etc.

While possums are not particularly picky eaters, chicken is not a common part of their natural diet.

Here's why:

* Size: Most possums are relatively small, and catching a full-grown chicken can be difficult.

* Defense: Chickens are known to defend themselves, and their sharp beaks and spurs can injure a possum.

* Availability: In most cases, possums have easier access to other food sources like insects, fruit, and carrion.

However, if a possum is very hungry or if chicken is readily available, they may opportunistically eat it. This is particularly true if they find a dead chicken or a chicken that is already injured.

To prevent possums from eating your chickens:

* Secure your coop: Make sure your chicken coop is well-built and has no holes or gaps that a possum can access.

* Store feed properly: Keep chicken feed in sealed containers to prevent possums from getting into it.

* Remove attractants: Clean up any food scraps or spilled feed around your coop.

* Use deterrents: There are various deterrents available, such as motion-activated sprinklers or ultrasonic devices.