Chick season 2022 is here! We begin with our first batch on Jan 27, 2022. Anice ChickenLady, has retired due to health issues. But Woodville Ace will be doing chicken business as usual. Join our Woodville Ace Chicken Group on Facebook, a link is in the left hand column.
On this blog you will find a list of hatch dates for birds ordered, CLICK ON "What's coming in?". To get your pre-paid special orders in call or come in to assure you get the birds you want.
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Monday, March 18, 2019
Chicken Predators
Most Wanted: Top 12 Chicken Predators
For those preparing to get their baby chicks out of the house brooder into a coop, knowing what is out there is very important. It seems we have no predators until we have something for them to eat, and the next thing we know we are preparing for battle. Once you have had your flock attacked you start learning what is needed. We have everything listed here but the weasel and badger..but we have plenty. Your most dangerous predator is your pet dog or a neighbors.
Do you know the top 12 chicken predators and how to protect your chickens from them?
Your backyard chickens can be a magnet for predators. As chicken keepers, it's important to set up a secure chicken coop to protect your flock. The first step to protecting your flock is to identify potential predators. Here is a list of the top 12 chicken predators so you can protect your backyard chickens.
1. Hawks
AudubonHawks prey on chickens and are hard to defeat without an enclosed overhead run.
2. Foxes
Antique Fox bookplate via Grandpa's MarketFoxes are well-known for their love of a chicken meal. They are more likely to strike in the evening.
3. Weasels
Via LiveScience photo by Cecil SandersWeasels (including fishers which are in the same family) are fierce chicken attackers.
4. Snakes
Photo: The Walden EffectSnakes can get into small openings and hide in coop bedding. Chicken coop construction should be sturdy, floors should be solid, and gaps in door openings should be 1/4 inch or less.
5. Unfriendly Canines
Christopher Bruno via WikipediaUnfriendly canines such as dogs, coyotes, and wolves can dig under fencing or push open unsecure sliding chicken doors.
6. Raccoons
PBSRaccoons can twist open chicken wire. Be sure to use welded wire mesh hardware cloth instead of chicken wire on window and door openings. Also, doors should latch tightly using a child-safe lock.
7. Great Horned Owls
FactzooThese sneaky predators can walk right in the coop and sidle up to a roosting chicken.
Larry Friesen via Outdoor AlabamaRats are also a threat - particularly to baby chicks and eggs.
When your chickens leave the safety of the coop during the day, it's harder to protect them from predators. Consider covering your outdoor run to protect your chickens from hawks and snakes during the daytime. If your chickens free-range, make sure they can take cover under something if a hawk flies overhead. A secure fence should help protect your flock from unfriendly canines.
If you are unsure what sort of predator is lurking around your coop, one way to find out is to watch for tracks in the snow or spread a layer of sand around your coop. Match the tracks from the predators on our list. We use a tracking book. You can also identify predators by the scat they leave behind or how they wound chickens.
Now that you know the top 12 chicken predators, you're armed with the knowledge you need to secure your flock in the safest possible coop.
