Predator-Proof Chicken Coop: How to Keep Predators Away

Are you wondering how do I keep predators out of my chicken coop? We’re here to help! Making sure your backyard chickens are safe from predators can be one of the biggest challenges of raising chickens. Sometimes you can try to keep them away, but they keep coming back. We’re going to share our top 10 tips so that you can create a predator-proof chicken coop and run.

How to Predator-Proof Chicken Coop

A few things go into creating a secure chicken coop and run that’ll keep the predators away. Fortunately, most of these are a one-time thing or hacks you can easily incorporate into your daily routine.

• Find out who the predator is.
• Have a guard animal.
• Don’t let chickens roost outside.
• Be mindful of leaving food out.
• Use hardware cloth instead of chicken wire.
• Block all opened spaces.
• Cover your chicken run.
• Latch doors closed.
• Create protection for free-range chickens.
• Use motion-activated lights.

Now, let’s take a look at exactly what you need to know for each of these!

Find Out Who the Predator Is

Knowing who the predator is and what’s attracting them (what they’re attacking) can help you with your plan to keep them away. Either trying to keep an eye out for the enemy or even putting up a simple trail game camera with night vision like this one can help you spot the predator.

Have a Guard Animal

If you’re looking for a sure way to have a predator-proof chicken coop, consider getting a guard animal. Many animals can make a great guardian for your flock, including roosters, some dog breeds (such as Great Pyrenees), and geese. 

If you’re not interested in other animals, don’t worry! There are plenty of other measures you can try.

Don’t Let Chickens Roost Outside

Most chicken coop predators are active when it gets dark, so it’s best to train your flock to return to their coop at night. Once they’re settled for the night, you can take further steps to keep predators out of chicken coop. Keep reading for tips on that!

Learn more about training your chickens here.

Be Mindful of Leaving Food Out

While it’s entirely normal for chicken keepers to leave feeders out in the coop, food is a common attraction for predators. Using a no-spill feeder can deter predators. You can also help this by picking up excess feed around the coop.

Tip: Regularly collecting eggs can also help keep a predator-proof chicken coop.

Use Hardware Cloth Instead of Chicken Wire

Most chicken keepers use chicken wire to protect their flock. While chicken wire can keep your chickens in, it doesn’t prevent predators (especially the smaller ones) from coming in. Instead, use hardware cloth. This ¼ inch hardware cloth doesn’t allow creatures in like chicken wire does.

Block All Opened Spaces

If you’re already a chicken owner, you probably already do this! But, are you still finding that you have to deal with foxes, squirrels, and rats in chicken coop? Or other nagging predators! If so, you want to do an extensive check to ensure all opened spaces are covered. Snakes especially can get into even tiny openings, and hardware cloth can prevent this.

Cover Your Chicken Run

Along with a predator-proof chicken coop, you also want a predator-proof chicken run. To accomplish this, you’ll need to cover your chicken run. You can do this with the hardware cloth mentioned above or purchase a chicken run roof. Something like this large covered chicken coop would be a great option for security, too!

Latch Doors Closed

Of course, latching doors closed is a sure way to deter chicken coop predators. With that said, some predators (like raccoons) are smart enough to get through some latches. Check out this spring latch for extra security. And, of course, be sure to lock the latches before dark each day.

Create Protection for Free-Range Chickens

If you prefer having free-range chickens, protect them from predators with a cover. While this doesn’t provide the same security as a predator-proof chicken coop, it does provide some safety and a space for chickens to go when predators are around. One way to provide this is by adding tall shrubbery to the area.

Use Motion-Activated Lights

While a deterrent like motion-activated lights isn’t going to be the magic trick, it can help create a secure chicken run and coop along with other recommendations on this list. Lights can startle predators and run them off. Besides, most creatures would rather cause harm in the dark when they’re not seen.

How to Predator-Proof Chicken Coop: Final Thoughts

While there’s no one magic trick to creating a rat, squirrel, snake, or fox-proof chicken coop (or any other pesky predator!), combining these extra measures should solve your problem. There’s no time for dealing with predators when you’d rather be hanging out with and enjoying your happy flock! 

Are you interested in fun and unique chicken gifts? If so, check out our guide to awesome gifts for chicken lovers!