Common Predators of Backyard Chickens

Protecting our chickens from predators is a major concern we face. Quickly, I started researching about the common predators of backyard chickens. Since we let them free range unsupervised during the day, I tend to worry. However, we truly believe the benefits of free-ranging outweigh the risk.

 Additionally, my husband, aka the Bearded Rooster has taken steps to predator-proof our chicken coop. You can read that blog here.

It’s important to know what the common predators of backyard chickens are in your area and learn when they hunt and what their habits are.

So what are the common predators of backyard chickens? Here’s a list of the top predators we face.

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Night Hunters

Raccoons are not picky about what they eat. They will eat eggs, fruit, vegetables, mice, fish, and anything in your trashcan. And they will eat your chickens. Raccoons will be more active in the fall as they prepare for winter by putting on extra weight. They are asleep most of the time during the winter, so you won’t see them very often. If raccoons are getting in your trash, pour a small amount of ammonia on the trash bags as a deterrent. If a raccoon kills your chicken, they will carry it off a short distance and you will probably find it with the head and crop missing.

Opossum have razor-sharp claws and will slash open the abdominal area and eat the bowels. They are deterred by light and noise. We set up a solar light that comes on in the evening and is pointed at the run plus the Bearded Rooster keeps the radio on. Additionally, ammonia, mothballs, and garlic may stop them. Some people use a clove of crushed garlic in areas where opossum frequent. It’s not harmful to your chickens, although if eaten, it could give a fowl taste to your eggs. You can also soak a rag in ammonia and place where the chickens can’t get to it. Or, you could put mothballs in a mesh bag and hang around, but be cautious: it’s an insecticide, so it’s poisonous to dogs, cats and children. For more info on mothballs, visit the poison control website.

Rats usually just eat eggs and baby chicks and will attack adult birds if desperate. If this happens, you will see bruises and bites on your bird’s legs or on the head and neck. Rats primarily stalk the night, but we’ve seen a few during the day too.  Our chickens eat mice and rats, but they can’t see at night, so it’s harder to fend them off. I recommend removing any chicken feed from the coop to keep rats out or use the rolling log mouse trap – it’s worked well for us.  

Coyotes will run off with your chicken. You may not see any signs of a predator or only see scattered feathers. They generally hunt in pairs. People and loud noises will frighten them. Try odor deterrents such as vinegar or ammonia. If you see a coyote, yell and wave your arms or throw something towards the coyote. Air horns are a good tool for this.

Skunks love eggs but rarely kill adult birds, however, they will if given the chance. They rip the chicken’s throat and neck and eat as much of the bird as needed. Skunks don’t hibernate but will bed down for the winter, so you may see them out on warm days. Like the raccoon, they will binge eat in the fall to build up fat stores. Deter them with light,  ammonia, and dog urine.

Owls generally hunt at night but may also hunt at dusk and dawn. They will eat the head and neck of your chicken. Deterrents include lights, scarecrow or an owl decoy. I’ve read that installing bird spikes on the fence, roof, and gutters where the owls roost is another good option.

Dawn and Dusk

A fox will attack the throat. You may only see a few drops of blood because they will carry your bird off to a wooded area or their den. Another sign that a fox has been in the coop is that you may find empty eggshells. They like to eat the inside of the egg by piercing and licking.

Foxes generally hunt at dawn and dusk but have been seen during the day. Change up your routine when possible and go outside at different times. Above all, make sure your coop is secure and lock your birds up promptly at dusk. To prevent, your best bet may be an electric fence. Some people have been successful with fox or dog repellent. If you have boys, human urine has also been reported to work. Use around the perimeter of your coop or property. My boys loved doing this when they were younger.

Deer are not a predator of chickens but love chicken feed. They will try to get to the feed through your run and cause damage leaving openings for other predators. Therefore, if you have deer in your area, put the chicken food away and pick up any treats that are not eaten.

Daytime Hunters

Hawks will usually eat the entire chicken. They hunt during the day and can only carry a bird with their same weight. Hawks will pluck the feathers and eat the breast. Because of the talons, your bird will look like it was stabbed by a knife.  Make sure your chickens have someplace to take cover and hide. Also hang shiny objects, like old CDs, pie plates, or Nite Guard Repellent Tape. I’m going to purchase this soon and let you know what I think about it in the future.

Opportunistic Hunters

Weasels generally won’t eat chickens unless there are no other options. They hunt all hours of the day and also eat mice, rats, rabbits, birds, and frogs. If your chicken has small bites on the neck and base of the skull or body, it may have been a weasel. Many times, they kill for fun and not to eat the bird.  Weasels are a little larger than a rat. Your best bet is to try and trap them.

Snakes will usually just eat eggs but are known to eat young chicks. Keep grass short, remove woodpiles, and junk piles, Additionally, limit flower gardens and shrubs close to the coop. Snakes do not like foul odors. You can try to plant onions and garlic close to the coop.

Dogs are the number 1 predator we face in the city. They will kill your chicken for sport not food. There usually won’t be much damage as once the bird is dead, the dog will lose interest. You need at least a six-foot fence and make sure there are no holes where they can get in.

Cats usually won’t go for full-size chickens but will try and pull your chicks or small breed chickens through the fence. They will eat the bird except for the feet and wings. Cats don’t like lavender so planting near the coop could discourage them.  If you have small breed chickens like a silkie or bantam, you may have to use an electric fence to keep cats out.

Bobcats are active when the predators that want to eat your chickens are active so that can be any time during the day or night. They will also eat rabbits, birds, and small dogs. In the last few years many of our neighboring cities have had an increase in bobcats. Light, noise, water hose, or wolf urine around the perimeter should discourage them.

In short, the easiest thing you can do is to remove any food sources, such as pet food, birdseed, chicken feed, and fruit on the ground from fruit trees. Make sure your garbage is secure. You may need a lid that locks. An open compost pile could attract some predators. Additionally, clean grills. If you give your chickens treats, avoid doing so late in the day and don’t give too much. Make sure they eat everything, so nothing is left overnight.

If you lose a chicken to a predator, it’s important to try and figure out what happened so you can protect the rest of your flock. You may need to install a video camera or trail cam. If you aren’t home at dusk to lock up your birds, install an automatic coop door.  Once the predator realizes there is a food source, it will likely return. Most will watch your flock for a few days so change your protection techniques frequently. If you use fake owls or scarecrows, move them around. Change the time you gather eggs or when you spend time outdoors.  

The Bearded Rooster is serious about protecting his girls. He won’t hesitate to shoot a predator. However, some predators are protected so make sure you check your local laws.

What are some of the common predators of backyard chickens that you face?