How to Keep Varmints Away From Chickens

Varmints, a major concern for poultry producers and anyone raising backyard flocks, include the common coyotes, raccoons, foxes, weasels, mink, skunk, opossum, and even birds of prey, rodents and snakes. Domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, can also be predators of poultry. Backyard flocks are usually housed in existing barns or temporary structures that may not be adequate for keeping predators out, and chickens can be easily nabbed when free ranging. Flocks are at the highest risk during the shadows of the night.

Things You'll Need

  • Poultry netting or hardware cloth
  • Wire mesh fencing
  • Motion detectors
  • Flags
  • Sound equipment
  • Dummy predator birds
  • Scarecrows
  • Shiny bottles
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Instructions

    • 1

      Construct the coops with deep foundations to prevent predators from tunneling underneath. Tight fit all windows and screened doors with poultry netting or hardware cloth and keep siding and foundation in good repair (free from cracks and holes) to prevent easy entry of predators from the outside.

    • 2

      Place chemical or pheromone repellents around the chicken yard on posts and coop exterior walls.

    • 3

      Place objects with motion, sound and light reflection around the chicken yard such as pinwheels, flags, sound equipment, dummy predator birds, scarecrows and shiny bottles (clear glass bottle hung upside down coated inside with aluminum paint) to deter birds of prey.

    • 4

      Surround coop and yard with wire fencing with small-diameter holes of .5 inch or less. To prevent entry by birds of prey, place fine mesh netting over the fence.

    • 5

      Keep the flock inside the coop at night and install motion sensor lights on the outside of it.

    • 6

      Provide diversion feedings of strong smelling raw proteins as "chicken dinner" substitutes several yards away from the coop and yard to satiate predators appetite and lessen their desire to hunt live prey.