Chickens can be vulnerable to predatory animals.Regular maintenance is needed to protect chickens.To keep predator out, build the right structures.Keep your chickens safe by managing their eating and sleeping routine.You can invest in traps and guard dogs.
Step 1: It's a good idea to build your coop off the ground.
elevation can help protect your chicken.Rodents will be more exposed if you have a chicken coop.About a foot off the ground is ideal.If you're not familiar with building your own chicken house, it's best to have someone build it for you.
Step 2: Fence underground to keep vermin out.
It may be difficult to elevate a coop that is already in place.You can put fences under the ground.It can help protect your chickens from rats.Six inches of fencing wire should be buried to protect your chickens.
Step 3: Try an electric fence.
Make sure the electric current is not too strong.Chickens can be harmed by an electric fence.Look for electric wiring that is designed to stun predator rather than kill them.If you don't know how to build a fence or work with electronics, have a professional install it.You don't want to hurt yourself while building the fence.
Step 4: Chickens are flying so use a roof to protect them.
Chickens are vulnerable to attacks from flying animals.A wire mesh roof should be installed.Hawks can pick up chickens if this is not changed.
Step 5: A tall mesh fence is a good choice.
A fence surrounds your chicken's run.Chickens should not be kept inside a fence.They should be protected from predatory animals.A mesh fence is the best way to keep animals out of your chicken house.The fence should be at least five feet high.
Step 6: Chickens are kept in a secured location at night.
Chickens are not allowed in the backyard at night.Chickens can be preyed on at night.Chickens should be secured before bed to keep them safe.
Step 7: It's a good idea to take precautions with food.
It's a good idea to be careful about storing food.The scent of chicken feed can attract animals.Chicken feed can be stored in closed containers.If you have other animals, you should be careful with food.Don't leave dog or cat food outside overnight, it's near the chicken coop.
Step 8: It's a good idea to be vigilant about cleaning the chicken house.
It's a good idea to make a daily habit of cleaning the house.You want to get rid of any material that might attract a predator.Chicken feed should be thrown away at the end of the day.Remove the table scraps if you give your chickens scraps.If you have fruit trees near your chicken house, be on the lookout for fallen fruit.
Step 9: If they are familiar with chickens, use cats for protection.
Rats and vermin can be targets for cats.Cats may see chickens as prey.If cats are comfortable around chickens, they should be used as protection.Chickens can be introduced to cats and kittens at a young age.They should be interacting through a fence or enclosure for a few weeks.Try a face-to-face interaction in which the chicken and cat are restrained.Cats are not the same.Chickens will always be a target for some cats.If your cat seems aggressive towards chickens, even after controlled interactions, you should not let the cat outside.
Step 10: Invest in animals.
Farm dogs are great for protecting chickens.Border Collies are good at chasing off potential predators.Dogs may target chickens as well.It's a good idea to keep the dogs outside.Don't scold the dog if you notice it is aggressive towards the chicken.Your dog may eventually be able to leave chickens alone.
Step 11: Light can scare off predatory animals.
A bright security light or a motion-activated light is needed.When you and your chickens are sleeping, bright lights can help.The lights may scare off some animals.
Step 12: Setting traps can be dangerous.
baited traps can be set if your chickens are being targeted frequently.The effectiveness of traps is questionable, so they should only be used in extreme circumstances.If you want traps to be effective, you have to take out an entire family.If you set traps, you need to keep them up for a while.You should make sure to release animals that are far away from other people's homes.You don't want to make someone's problem worse.