What Animals Eat Chickens? Chicken Predators 101

Part of learning how to take care of chickens is learning what animals eat chickens.

Are you a chicken farmer? Or perhaps you’ve been thinking about starting your own backyard flock? If so, then you know how rewarding it can be to raise chickens and enjoy farm-fresh eggs.

However, there’s one thing that all chicken farmers need to be aware of: predators. From foxes to hawks to even household pets, there are a variety of animals that view chickens as a tasty meal.

Today, we’ll take a closer look at these predators, the damage they can cause, and most importantly, how to protect your feathered friends from becoming prey. So, if you want to keep your chickens safe and secure, keep reading! Learn all about chicken predators and what animals love to eat chickens.

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What Animals Eat Chickens? Top Chicken Predators

Chickens are a popular domesticated bird kept for their delicious meat and eggs. However, these feathered friends have their fair share of predators that see them as a tasty meal.

Some of the most common chicken predators include foxes, raccoons, coyotes, hawks, owls, and even domestic dogs and cats. However, keep in mind there are more chicken predators than are on this list.

Foxes are notorious for sneaking into chicken coops and grabbing a chicken for dinner. Raccoons use their nimble fingers to pick the lock of a coop or rip apart the wire fencing to get to the chickens. Coyotes are known to be opportunistic hunters and will often take advantage of an easy chicken meal. Hawks and owls both have keen eyesight and can make quick work of a chicken that is left unprotected.

As for domestic pets, while they may not intentionally hunt chickens, they still have a natural instinct to chase and catch small prey. It’s crucial for chicken owners to take precautionary measures to protect their flock from these predators.

Coyotes And Wolves

Coyotes and wolves are usually the first animals people think of when they think of chicken predators. Coyotes and wolves are wild carnivores that live by hunting and eating anything they can – including your backyard chickens.

Coyotes and wolves can easily jump over fences or dig under them to get to the chickens. They can also climb up onto roofs and make their way into chicken coops that aren’t properly secured.

 

It’s important for poultry farmers to take extra steps to protect their chickens from coyotes and wolves. This includes installing a sturdy fence around the entire perimeter of their chicken coop and ensuring that the chickens are locked up securely in their coops at night.

Dogs (Stray And Domestic)

Whether you live in the city or in the country, domesticated dogs are likely to be a problem. In the city, neighbor’s dogs get out of their yards and terrorize backyard chickens all the time. And in the city and country alike, stray dogs attack chicks and chickens wherever they go.

Domestic dogs will typically just chase and harass chickens, but they can still cause a lot of damage. Stray dogs, however, can be much more vicious and have been known to actually kill chickens.

It’s important for poultry farmers to take steps to protect their chickens from both stray and domestic dogs. This includes keeping the chickens in secure enclosures at all times, installing a fence around the perimeter of the chicken coop, and using motion-sensing lights to scare away potential predators.

Or if you prefer to free-range your chickens, get some well-trained livestock guardian dogs.

Predatory Birds (Birds Of Prey)

Hawks, falcons, and owls are also common chicken predators. These birds have incredibly keen eyesight and can easily spot a vulnerable prey from far away. They will swoop in quickly and snatch up an unsuspecting chicken before you even know what’s happening.

Fortunately, there are some things poultry farmers can do to protect their chickens from predators like hawks and owls. The most effective way is to keep the chickens in a fully enclosed coop with a secure roof that prevents birds from getting inside. Also, keeping the chickens in groups of at least four or five will make it more difficult for a hawk or owl to single out one as its prey.

There are stories going around online that say getting black chickens will deter birds of prey because they think the chickens are crows but I have not been able to determine exactly how accurate this is.

House Cats

This one may come as a surprise, but yes – cats can be chicken predators. House cats have been known to sneak into a coop and chase after chickens for fun or even kill them in some cases. 

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It’s important to take extra steps to protect your flock from house cats, whether stray or domestic. This includes keeping the chickens locked up securely in their coops at night and only letting them out during the day when cats are less active.

Also, if you have a house cat or a pet cat that’s allowed to roam your yard, make sure it never has access to the chickens. If you can’t supervise your cat and the chickens at all times, then keep them separated.

Foxes

Foxes are one of the most notorious chicken predators out there. These sly predators have an extremely keen sense of smell and can sniff out their prey from miles away. They are also incredibly agile and adept climbers, so they can easily jump over a fence into your chicken coop or climb up onto the roof to get in. 

The best way to protect your chickens from foxes is to make sure your coop and fencing are in top condition. Check the perimeter of your enclosure for any gaps or holes that a fox could get through.

Make sure the chicken coop is sturdy enough to withstand an attack from a fox, and install locks on all access doors. If you free-range your chickens, consider getting a livestock guardian dog to help protect them.

Snakes

While snakes don’t typically go after adult chickens, they will often prey on chicks and eggs. Snakes are great climbers and can slither into the tightest spaces to get to their target. They will also hide in tall grass or other dense vegetation near your chicken coop looking for a tasty meal of eggs or small chicks. 

The best way to protect your chickens from snakes is to keep the grass and other vegetation around your coop trimmed short. You can also line your coop with hardward cloth or bird netting becuase snakes have a hard time fitting through these materials.

And if you notice a snake in or near your coop, try to get it away as soon as possible. Snakes are typically not aggressive and will usually try to flee when they’re confronted, so use a long stick to scare them away if need be.

Raccoons, Skunks, and Opossums

Raccoons, skunks, and opossums are all common chicken predators in North America. All three animals have a taste for chicks, adult chickens, and eggs and can easily fit through small gaps or holes to get into the coop. Raccoons are especially fond of eggs and will often try to break into nesting boxes to get them. 

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The best way for you chicken keepers to protect your chickens from these animals is to make sure your coop and fencing are in good condition. Check for any holes or gaps that a raccoon, skunk, or opossum could squeeze through and patch them up immediately. Also, keep all food sources off the ground and away from their reach.

And since these predators tend to be nocturnal, getting an automatic chicken coop door will help keep your chickens safe from common predators even when you aren’t at home.

Fisher Cat, Weasel, and Minks

Fishers, weasels, and minks are all small but fierce predators that can be a real threat to your chickens. They have an incredible sense of smell and will go to great lengths to get a meal. All three animals have been known to break into chicken coops and kill multiple chickens in one night. 

The best way for poultry farmers to protect their flock from these animals is to build a strong and secure coop. Make sure the walls are sturdy and that there are no gaps or cracks for them to get through. You can also install motion-sensing lights around the perimeter of the coop, as this may help scare away any potential predators.

If you’re still having trouble keeping fishers, weasels, and minks away, you can always get some LGDs to help protect your flock.

Wild Cats Such As Cougars, Bobcats, and Mountain Lions

Wild cats such as cougars, bobcats, and mountain lions are some of the most dangerous predators out there. These animals have powerful jaws and sharp claws that can easily take down an adult chicken in seconds. They can also jump great heights and climb trees to get into a coop or enclosure if they want. 

The best way for poultry farmers to protect their chickens from these animals is to build a solid and secure coop, preferably one with a roof. Make sure the walls are sturdy enough to withstand an attack from any of these cats, and consider installing motion-sensing lights around the perimeter of the coop as extra protection. If you’re still having trouble keeping these predators away, then getting several LGDs may be your best bet.

Bears

Bears are one of the most dangerous predators that a poultry farmer can encounter, as they have immense strength and powerful claws that can easily kill an adult chicken in seconds. They have also been known to break into enclosed coops and eat entire flocks of chickens in just one night. 

The best way for poultry farmers to protect their chickens from bears is to ensure the coop walls are strong and secure.

The good news is bears are omnivores and typically there are easier treats to have than your locked up backyard birds. That said, it’s still important to have a secure perimeter around the coop and chickens. Double check that any fencing you may have is bear-proof by making sure there are no weak spots where a bear can squeeze through or dig beneath.

What Predator Is Killing My Chickens?

As a fellow chicken farmer, I understand the importance of protecting your chickens from predators. Losing valuable members of your flock to these predators can be devastating, both emotionally and financially.

Common predators that are known to attack chickens include foxes, raccoons, coyotes, hawks, and dogs. Each predator leaves behind distinct signs that can help you identify them. Here are some key indicators to look out for:

1. Feathers scattered around the coop or yard: Predators often leave a trail of feathers as they attack and carry away chickens.
2. Bloody wounds on the chicken: Check for visible wounds or signs of struggle on the chickens that have been attacked.
3. Missing body parts: Some predators may eat specific parts of the chicken, leaving behind evidence such as missing heads, necks, or internal organs.
4. Tracks around the coop: Take a close look at the ground around the coop for tracks or footprints. Each predator has unique tracks that can aid in identification.

Farmers, understanding the predators that attack and kill chickens is crucial for protecting your flock. Beyond checking the area for tracks you can identify, here’s a breakdown of how different predators typically attack and kill chickens:

1. Foxes: Foxes are known to bite at the neck region of chickens, often severing the spinal cord or causing fatal injuries. They may also carry away the entire chicken or leave behind scattered feathers.
2. Hawks and Owls: Birds of prey like hawks and owls primarily target the chicken’s head. They have sharp talons that they use to grasp and immobilize their prey. They may attempt to fly off with the chicken or consume it on-site.
3. Raccoons and Skunks: Raccoons and skunks are opportunistic predators that often grab the chicken’s head and pull it through any gaps in wire fencing. They will then carry away the chicken to consume it elsewhere.
4. Snakes: Snakes can be challenging to identify as predators, as they tend to swallow small birds and eggs whole. They may leave minimal signs of struggle or external injuries. Look for missing chicks and the presence of snakes in and around the coop.

It’s important to note that predator behavior can vary based on the region and individual circumstances. If you suspect a specific predator, monitoring their attack patterns and studying local predator behavior can help you in identifying and preventing further attacks.

Remember, prevention is key. By implementing these strategies and regularly monitoring your coop and surrounding area, you can significantly reduce the risk of future attacks. Protecting your chickens requires diligence and proactive measures to ensure their safety.

What Predators Steal Chicken Eggs?

In addition to predators that directly attack and kill chickens, there are other animals that eat eggs or may target eggs as an easy meal. Common egg-eating predators include raccoons, skunks, foxes, opossums, snakes, crows, jays, rats, mice, weasels and minks.

To protect your eggs from these predators, it’s important to make sure the chicken coop and nesting boxes are secure. Ensure there are no gaps or cracks for predators to get into, and consider installing a motion-sensing light around the perimeter of the coop as extra protection. Egg baskets can also be used to hang eggs away from potential predators, and collecting eggs regularly will reduce the chance of them being eaten.

How To Protect Chickens From Predators

The most effective way to protect your chickens from predators is by taking preventive measures before an attack occurs. By properly securing your coop and surrounding area, you can significantly reduce the chance of a predator getting in.

Securing The Chicken Run

Start by making sure the chicken run or enclosure is properly secured. Make sure there are no weak spots where predators could get in, such as gaps or holes under fences or around the structure itself. Install strong and durable fencing that is at least 5-6 feet high and made of metal or hard plastic mesh to prevent small predators from getting through.

Don’t Use Chicken Wire As A Fence

Chicken wire is not a good solution for keeping predators out, as it won’t provide the necessary protection needed to keep your chickens safe. It’s also important to ensure that any trees or branches near the chicken run don’t provide access points for predators. Instead, use hardware cloth with small holes that predators cannot rip or squeeze through.

Install Hardware Cloth Around The Fence

Another way to further secure the chicken run is by wrapping hardware cloth around the bottom of fencing. This will prevent predators from digging or squeezing underneath, as well as protect against small predators like weasels and rats. Make sure the edges are securely attached with staples or screws so that it can’t be easily ripped away.

Use Hardware Cloth To Cover Holes

If there are any openings in the chicken run or coop, cover them with hardware cloth. This includes doors, windows, vents, and so on. This will prevent animals like raccoons and skunks from reaching in to grab eggs or chickens. Make sure it’s securely attached so that predators cannot tear it away easily.

Bury The Fence

Bury the fence 6-12 inches deep in the ground to prevent predators from digging underneath. Make sure to use a durable material like metal wire mesh or hard plastic mesh that is difficult for animals to chew through. You can also install an electric wire around the perimeter of your chicken run as an added deterrent.

Cover The Run

At night, cover the run with bird netting or tarps to protect your chickens from aerial predators like hawks and owls. Make sure it’s securely attached so that no predators can get in. It’s also a good idea to install an outdoor light near the chicken run as an extra deterrent.

Lock Up The Hens At Night

No matter how you raise your birds, be it free-range, tractor, or run, any good backyard chicken keeper knows that locking up your hens in a secure coop at night gives them added protection from predators. Make sure the entrance door is securely closed and locked, and there are no gaps or openings where predators can get in.

It’s also important to regularly check for signs of damage or wear-and-tear that could be allowing predators access to your chickens.

Don’t Allow Your Chickens To Roost Outside The Coop

Don’t allow your chickens to roost or nest outside the coop, as this can make them an easy target for predators. Instead, lock up your chickens in their coop at night and allow them to free-range during the day when they are better able to identify potential threats.

Get A Livestock Guardian Dog

If you have a large flock of chickens, consider getting a livestock guardian dog to protect them from predators. These specially bred dogs are trained to patrol the area and alert their owners of any danger. They also instinctively bond with the chickens and will fiercely protect them against predators. We have owned many chickens over the years and a good LGD pack is our absolute favorite way to keep them safe.

More Gardening And Chicken Keeping Resources

Still looking for more resources to help with gardening and chicken keeping? Check out these great ideas!

 

• What Ingredients Are In Chicken Food?
• Companion Planting Cheat Sheets
• What Vegetables Grow Well In Containers?

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