What Eats a Chicken? Identifying Common Chicken Predators
Raising backyard chickens comes with the responsibility of protecting them from predators. Just about every carnivorous animal likes the taste of chicken, so it’s important to safeguard your flock. In this article we’ll look at the most common chicken predators how to identify them, and tips for prevention.
FoxesFoxes are cunning predators that can decimate a flock in one night. They are found worldwide and are active day and night. Signs of a fox attack include missing chickens dug holes around the coop, and claw marks on the coop. To deter foxes, install electric fencing and remove any hiding spots like brush piles near the coop.
Coyotes
Coyotes are wild canines that hunt alone or in packs. They prey on poultry by biting and shaking their prey. Evidence of coyotes includes damaged fencing and missing free-range chickens. Keeping chickens in a secure, covered run helps prevent coyote attacks.
Raccoons
Persistent and intelligent, raccoons are a notorious chicken predator. They attack the head and crop and raid nests for eggs. Look for partially eaten chickens, empty eggshells, and a faint musky odor. Raccoon-proof your coop with sturdy locks, small mesh wire fencing, and a covered run.
Opossums
While opossums prefer carrion and insects, they will attack chickens and eat eggs opportunistically. Signs include missing chicks and eggs with teeth marks. Collect eggs frequently, secure the coop at night, and trap and remove opossums to protect your flock.
Hawks
Hawks and eagles attack from the air, carrying chickens away to eat. Look for signs like scattered feathers and chicken remains. Prevent hawk attacks by keeping chickens in a covered run and installing overhead netting for extra protection.
Weasels
Weasels are ferocious predators that can wipe out a flock in one night. They target the head and neck and fit into very small openings. Look for multiple small bites and piled carcasses. Use 1⁄4 inch hardware cloth to patch holes and seal the coop against weasels.
Snakes
Snakes eat eggs and baby chicks. Missing chicks and egg shells are evidence of snakes. Keep chicks safe by raising them indoors until grown. Check the coop for slither trails and seal up any access holes larger than 1⁄2 inch.
Dogs
Both feral and domestic dogs will prey on chickens. Attacks result in maimed birds and damaged fencing. Train dogs to leave chickens alone and keep them separated from the flock. Bury fencing to prevent digging.
Cats
Domestic and feral cats kill smaller chickens, eating the meat and leaving the skin and feathers. Missing chickens and scattered feathers are clues. Use covered, enclosed runs to limit cat attacks.
Rats
Rats target eggs, chicks, and chicken feed more than adult birds. Look for bites, missing chicks, and droppings. Use traps and seal openings to deter rats. Never use poison where chickens can access it.
By properly securing the coop, runs, and flock areas, most chicken predators can be prevented from harming backyard flocks. Pay attention to signs of attack and take action right away to identify the culprit and improve your defenses. With persistence and vigilance, you can protect your beloved chickens.
Missing Legs and Wings
A chicken whose mortal injury was the loss of a limb, such as a leg or a wing, was the victim of a raccoon. In this case, the raccoon reached through the fencing and caught hold of your bird’s limb instead of its head.
Missing or Damaged Eggs
A number of predators prey on poultry eggs. Snakes swallow eggs whole. Rats carry eggs away a short distance, then eat them. A skunk punches a hole into an egg, then sticks its muzzle in to lick out the contents. Raccoons and opossums tend to crush eggs to eat them, leaving behind a mess of mashed shell and oozing interiors. Blue jays and crows are known to occasionally prey on poultry eggs.
Why Chickens Eat Their Eggs (and HOW to STOP Them!)
FAQ
What animal eats a chicken?
Predators include coyotes, foxes, bobcats, weasels and their relatives, birds of prey, racoons, opossums, skunks, rodents, and snakes.Dec 20, 2018
What animal will eat an entire chicken?
DOGS AND COYOTES
While the wild coyote might seem like an obvious threat to a backyard chicken keeper, you must also keep a watchful eye on man’s best friend: the domesticated dog. Both dogs and coyotes can and will carry off whole chickens without a trace.
How do I know what predator killed my chicken?
Often the chickens’ bodies are bloodied. Also, you might notice that internal organs have been eaten. If birds are dead and not eaten but are missing their heads, the predator may be a raccoon, a hawk, or an owl.
Do chickens have natural predators?
Any poultry that is unprotected, including free range chickens, are viewed as part of the natural food chain and will make an easy meal for predators like coyotes, black bears, foxes, fisher, birds of prey, and more.