08/18/2025
It's best to be proactive and predator proof your coop and run prior to getting chickens.
Even if you don't think you have predators in your area now, they will come eventually once they discover you a potential food source (your flock). It isn't just rural areas, urban areas have plenty of wild and domestic predators as well. In fact, domestic dogs appear to be the #1 predator of backyard chickens.
Keep in mind that predator proofing isn't cheap. It can be a significant upfront cost that should be considered before getting chickens. Most coops and runs that arrive in a box aren't predator proof.
It isn't 'the circle of life', it's your responsibility to protect your flock. The best way to do this is by housing them in a predator proof run and coop.
Ducks, turkeys, quail and other fowl are also vulnerable and need similar protection.
Key aspects for proper predator proofing structures:
👉 Never use poultry wire. Use 1/2" or 1/4" galvanized hardware cloth. Install enough supports and attachments for the hardware cloth to be effective.
👉 Fully enclose the run, ideally using hardware cloth since netting is only effective against birds of prey.
👉 Create an "apron" around the perimeter of the run to keep predators from digging underneath. We discuss this in more detail on our website.
👉 Eliminate gaps greater than 1/2" to exclude all predators. Don't forget about doorway entryways for chain link fences, ventilation holes and windows.
👉 Regularly inspect the condition of the structures for vulnerabilities and immediately after storm events.
👉Add a carabiner to latches for doors, windows and nestboxes to prevent raccoons from opening them. Fixtures and locks require 3 steps to prevent raccoons from accessing as they have human-like hands.
Visit PoultryDVM.com for additional information on predator proofing (includes an easy to read infographic), predators, identifying predators and more - https://poultrydvm.com/
