3 Dog Family Members are Chicken Coop Predators - How to Avoid Them by Planning Your Chicken Coop

Chicken coop predators can be a headache for those raising chickens. 3 members of the dog family make it to list of the top chicken coop predators. Make it a point to know what dog predators you have in your community. From here, you can set up a plan which includes the appropriate measures for dealing with these animals. Here are the top three dogs that are chicken coop predators:

Coyote

As member of the dog family, coyotes are one of the most notorious chicken coop predators and are most active hunting for food at night time. Lately however, coyotes have already adapted to the presence of people and have become active even during day time especially during cooler months. Coyotes usually prey on chickens, geese, ducks, and other fowls. Shooting these predators can be a futile way of preventing them from attacking back. Make sure that you provide a trap or keep the coop coyote-proof.

Fox

Foxes are the next dog family member that is a known predator to poultry birds. They can be highly skilled hunters and primarily nocturnal. Like coyotes, they have also learned recently to hunt during daylight hours. They are very sneaky and intelligent. Foxes normally attack at least 2 hours after sunset or 2 hours just before sunrise. Furthermore, they carry the livestock far away for the owner not to trace it.

Domestic Dogs

The neighborhood dogs are one of obvious predators proven to be very destructive to your livestock. Even your own dog can be potentially a predator if not controlled. Train your very own pet dog not to harm your chickens.

Effective Solutions

One effective solution to deter these predators is to keep the chickens locked in the coop. The coop should be made of solid wood as well if you want to keep the predators outside. Predators, however, can get tricky and can dig into the ground so make sure that the chicken wire fencing is also planted into the ground. Moreover, ensure that there are no holes where these predators can get in. These animals can enter the chicken house through the small holes and will definitely prey on your pets once they get through into the coop.

In planning your chicken coop, make sure you have the right strategies to avoid these predators getting at your chickens especially the chicks. Know them well and your best bet is to prevent them from entering the coop by making that chicken house predator-proof.