Fall Threats to Your Flock

Fall is a critical season for predator management in backyard poultry flocks. With food sources dwindling, intruders become more active and desperate, increasing the risk to your chickens. Safeguarding your flock during this time requires understanding predator behavior, reinforcing coop security and implementing innovative free-ranging practices.

Understanding hunting patterns is crucial. For example, hawks and owls are more active during specific times (day and night, respectively), while raccoons and coyotes often target coops at night. Limit free-ranging to supervised hours and use covered runs to protect against aerial threats.

Understanding Autumn Predator Activity

Predators during the fall are often driven by the need to stock up on food before winter. This means increased activity and boldness, as they seek accessible sources of nourishment, such as backyard flocks. Common intruders include raccoons, foxes, coyotes, hawks and owls, each posing unique risks. While chickens may be hardy and resilient, one raccoon can still wipe out an entire flock in a single night.

Raccoons, coyotes and foxes are primarily nocturnal hunters, targeting poorly secured coops at night. Raccoons are particularly crafty, capable of unlatching simple coop locks or squeezing through gaps. Hawks and owls are aerial predators that attack at different times of day. Hawks usually strike during daylight hours, while owls hunt under the cover of darkness.

Other culprits may include snakes, skunks and weasels, each exploiting weaknesses in coop design. Even opossums can be a threat.

By learning the habits and tendencies of these predators, you can take targeted steps to deter them.

Reinforcing Coop Security

An effective first line of defense against fall hunters is a well-fortified coop. A secure coop can mean the difference between a safe flock and a vulnerable one.

Upgrade your materials:

Replacing standard chicken wire with hardware cloth is essential. Hardware cloth, with its tighter weave of 1/2-inch or 1/4-inch, offers much better protection. Chicken wire is too flimsy and can be torn apart by determined raccoons or foxes.

Close gaps and block entry points:

Predators are experts at exploiting even the smallest weaknesses. Inspect your coop thoroughly for gaps, cracks or loose panels. Seal all openings with hardware cloth, particularly around windows and vents. Additionally, ensure that all doors and windows close tightly and latch securely. Using predator-proof locks or carabiners can deter raccoons, which are surprisingly dexterous.

Prevent digging:

Foxes and coyotes may attempt to burrow under the coop to gain entry. To stop this, bury a hardware cloth skirt around the perimeter of the coop, extending it about 12 inches deep and outward in a horizontal “apron.” This simple measure can effectively block digging attempts. Coyotes will get bored after trying to dig for hours, although they are known to be persistent.

Some additional features can further improve security:

Install motion-activated lights to startle nocturnal predators.

Consider using an automatic coop door that locks the flock safely inside at dusk.

Employ cameras or alarms to monitor and respond to potential threats.

Installing solar powered flashing red lights work well too.

Remove perching sites near the coop and keep the area clean to avoid attracting unwanted intruders.

Smart Free-Ranging Practices

Free-ranging chickens may be happier, but it comes with risks. Fall’s increased predator activity makes it all the more important to adopt cautious and controlled free-ranging habits.

Avoid letting your chickens roam unsupervised for extended periods. Instead, limit free-ranging to times when you can actively monitor them, preferably in mid-morning to early afternoon. These hours are safer because many trespassers, including foxes and coyotes, tend to be less active during this time.

Use secure runs:

If free-ranging is a big part of your chickens’ routine, consider setting up a secure, covered run. A run with a sturdy roof will protect against aerial hunters like hawks. You can also use orange netting, as hawks and owls are highly sensitive to the color and may steer clear of it.

Provide cover and shelter:

Adding shrubs, trees or artificial shelters within the free-ranging area provides chickens with a place to hide from aerial predators. Encourage your flock to stay near these safe zones instead of wandering into open areas.

Utilizing Guard Animals

Guard animals and creative deterrents play a supportive but valuable role in predator management. Used correctly, they can turn a potential attack into a non-issue.

While dogs can be invaluable as guard animals, it’s important to remember that domestic dogs, whether your own or your neighbors’ pets, are a leading cause of backyard poultry losses.

Dogs often attack out of curiosity, excitement or instinct, and may chase, injure or kill multiple birds in a short period, sometimes leaving survivors traumatized. Unlike wild predators that may take a single bird and leave, dogs often inflict more widespread harm.

To prevent dog attacks on your flock, ensure your property is surrounded by secure fencing that dogs cannot jump over or dig under. Fall is a great time to check gates and latches for wear and tear, and to make any needed repairs before winter sets in.

If pets are present, closely supervise their interactions with poultry and provide consistent training to ensure they don’t see chickens as prey or playthings.

Communicate with neighbors to establish visiting dogs are kept away from your property, and keep your flock safely enclosed if you know loose dogs are in the area.

Employ guard animals:

Properly trained livestock guard dogs, such as Great Pyrenees or Anatolian Shepherds, can protect your flock day and night.

Guard geese can also deter smaller intruders, as they are territorial and loud, often scaring away raccoons and foxes.

Predators are opportunistic, and making your yard less inviting can discourage them:

• Remove food attractants such as spilled chicken feed, unsecured trash or compost piles.
• Eliminate potential hiding or nesting spots around the perimeter by trimming bushes and clearing debris.

Fall brings unique challenges to predator management, but with the right strategies, you can effectively protect your flock.

Focus on understanding predator behavior, reinforcing coop security and adopting innovative free-ranging practices. By staying vigilant and proactive, you can enjoy a secure and thriving flock well into
the colder months.