How to Protect Chickens From Predators

Chickens can be easy prey for hawks, foxes, opossums, skunks, dogs and cats. Here's how to protect your fowl from foul play.

Instructions

STEP 1: Provide a roosting area inside a barn or shed. The roost needs to be at least 4 feet from ground level.
STEP 2: Use a post or thick branch placed horizontally in a corner of a shed for an adequate roost.
STEP 3: Build a hen house that can be shut up at night when hens are roosting.
STEP 4: Fence in an outside chicken run with chicken wire to keep predators out.
STEP 5: Secure chicken wire across the top of the run as well.
STEP 6: Nail 2 by 6 boards around the base of the chicken run, and staple wire to the boards. This will keep animals from pushing their way in under the fence.
STEP 7: Prevent dogs from digging under the pen by placing cement cap blocks along the edge of the pen.

Train dogs not to run at chickens even in play; this can quickly create a bad habit.

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