Top 10 Chicken Predators

If you’ve ever kept chickens, you know one simple truth: everything seems to want to eat them. Whether it’s a sneaky fox, a hungry raccoon, or even a curious dog, predators always seem to find your coop the moment you let your guard down.

You can have the best coop, the fluffiest hens, and the happiest rooster on earth but one uninvited nighttime visitor can ruin your day (and your breakfast plans).

Let’s face it. Chickens are pretty much nature’s snack pack. They don’t fly well, they make noise, and they love to strut around as if the world is a safe place. But with a bit of understanding and some solid protection, you can make your backyard the one place predators give up on.

So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s talk about the top 10 chicken predators, how they hunt, how to spot their signs, and how to stop them in their tracks.

1. Raccoons​

Raccoon-proofing your coop and run is important. Raccoons have nimble fingers and are very intelligent animals who can easily open coop windows and doors to gain access.

Raccoons are like the burglars of the animal world. They’re smart, sneaky, and oddly good with their hands. If your coop latch isn’t raccoon-proof, you might as well hang up a “Come on in!” sign.

They usually strike at night, opening latches, tearing holes in wire, and reaching in to grab chickens through gaps. They’ve even been known to wash their food, so yes, they’re neat little monsters too.

How to outsmart them:​

Use sturdy hardware cloth instead of chicken wire (chicken wire keeps chickens in, not predators out). Secure every door and hatch with a lock or carabiner. If you can open it with one hand, a raccoon probably can too.

Find out more about how to protect your chickens from Raccoons here.

2. Hawks​

Relentless hawks and how to deal with them is often a big concern for chicken keepers. Hawks have extremely keen eyesight and can often be seen scanning for prey from an elevated perch site.

If you’ve ever seen a shadow glide over your yard and then heard your chickens scream, chances are a hawk was scouting for lunch. Hawks are deadly, silent, and accurate. They can take off with small chickens or tear into larger ones right where they stand.

They love open spaces because nothing is blocking their dive.

How to outsmart them:​

Provide overhead cover. Netting, trees, and shade cloths are great. Hanging shiny objects like old CDs or reflective tape can also spook them. And if you’ve got a brave rooster, he’ll help alert the hens when danger’s above.

Find out more about how to protect your chickens from Hawks here.

3. Dogs​

Dogs are carnivores who like to eat protein-rich food. They are known to attack roosters, hens, and their chicks, leaving only a bloodied mess of feathers.

You love your dog. I love mine too. But let’s be honest, most dogs see chickens as either chew toys or squeaky things that run. Even the sweetest family pet can get carried away chasing birds around the yard.

Dogs usually kill out of excitement, not hunger. You’ll often find multiple injured birds or feathers everywhere.

How to outsmart them:​

Train your dog to ignore the chickens, especially when they’re young. If it’s a neighbor’s dog causing trouble, talk to them or reinforce your fencing. A dog-proof yard keeps both your flock and the visiting pups safe.

Find out more about how to protect your chickens from dogs here.

4. Foxes​

A fox is an intelligent predator that will not hesitate to go after your chickens for its next meal. Springtime presents the highest number of chicken casualties because it is this time that foxes need to gather more food to sustain their offspring.

Foxes are like furry ninjas. They’re fast, quiet, and determined. They’ll watch your flock for days before attacking, waiting for that perfect moment—usually early morning or late evening.

Unlike raccoons, foxes don’t make a mess. They grab a bird or two and vanish like ghosts.

How to outsmart them:​

Bury your fencing at least a foot underground (foxes dig!). Electric fencing also helps. Keep your chickens locked up tight when the sun goes down. If you free-range, try to do it while you’re around.

Find out more about how to protect your chickens from foxes here.

5. Coyotes​

Coyotes are tenacious and opportunistic predators that can easily wreak havoc on your poultry farm. These nocturnal hunters will hunt for food whenever they are hungry or if the opportunity presents itself.

Coyotes are bold and adaptable. They hunt alone or in pairs, and they’re not afraid of getting close to people. If your coop has a weak spot, a coyote will eventually find it.

You might notice footprints, droppings, or a trail of feathers leading away from your coop.

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How to outsmart them:​

Go for tall fencing (six feet or higher) and bury the bottom underground. Motion-activated lights or sprinklers can also scare them off. And never leave feed or scraps lying around, it attracts them like magnets.

Find out more about how to protect your chickens from Coyotes here.

6. Weasels​

Weasels are known to be very cunning. Their cleverness and guile make them first-class predators, and their prey is often no match to their agility.

These little predators might look cute, but don’t let their size fool you. Weasels can slip through holes as small as a quarter and wreak absolute havoc. They often kill several chickens in one night, just for fun.

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How to outsmart them:​

Inspect your coop carefully for any tiny gaps. Use hardware cloth with small holes (no bigger than ½ inch). Keep feed stored tightly, since the smell attracts them. If you’ve ever thought your coop was “tight enough,” double-check—these little guys are escape room champions.

Find out more about how to protect your chickens from Weasels here.

7. Minks​

Male minks run and hunt instead of rearing their young. Minks are vicious predators of chickens and other birds. They are known for their propensity to kill every chicken and bird in an area or pen.

How to outsmart them:​

Like with weasels, inspect your coop carefully for any tiny gaps. Use hardware cloth with small holes (no bigger than ½ inch). Keep feed stored tightly, since the smell attracts them. If you’ve ever thought your coop was “tight enough,” double-check—these little guys are escape room champions.

Find out more about how to protect your chickens from Minks here.

8. Possums​

Possums as chicken killers can be a problem for flock owners, as they prefer hunting at night and may never be seen during the day. Hens often do not survive a possum attack.

Opossums are like raccoons’ less ambitious cousins. They’re not as smart, but they’ll gladly help themselves to eggs, chicks, or feed if they find an easy way in.

They often leave behind messy evidence like scattered eggshells, droppings, or half-eaten chicks.

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How to outsmart them:​

Keep your coop clean, collect eggs daily, and seal any small entry points. They’re lazy scavengers, so if your coop takes effort to break into, they’ll move along to an easier meal.

Find out more about how to protect your chickens from Possums here.

9. Bobcats and Mountain Lions​

Bobcats are known to hunt any time of the day but are commonly observed to do so during twilight hours of dawn and dusk or early evenings. Just like cats, low light is not a hindrance since their keen eyes can spot prey at night.

These predators are rare, but if you live in certain regions, they’re a real danger. Bobcats can easily jump fences and are incredibly agile.

How to outsmart them:​

Strong fencing with a roofed run is key. Bobcats and big cats usually attack at dusk or dawn, so make sure your flock is safely locked up before then.

Find out more about how to protect your chickens from Bobcats here and from Mountain Lions here.

10. Rats​

A rat's predatory prowess centers on its powerful teeth, which can gnaw at wooden barriers. They are known to eat through chicken wire with their razor-sharp teeth. Their relentless gnawing can give them access to livestock and other types of food.

Rats might not drag away a full-grown hen, but they’ll steal eggs, nibble chicks, and even bite sleeping birds. Plus, they spread disease and chew through just about anything.

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How to outsmart them:​

Store feed in metal containers. Clean up spilled grain. Set traps outside the coop, not in it (you don’t want to catch your hens by mistake). A tidy coop is your best defense.

Find out more about how to protect your chickens from Rats here.

Other Wild Cards​

Depending on where you live, you might have extra predators. Nature always finds new ways to surprise us, which is why coop security should never be “set it and forget it.” Here are some other predators you may need to keep an eye on:

1. Owls​

While hawks rule the day, owls rule the night. They’re quiet, patient, and have night vision that puts any security camera to shame. They tend to snatch chickens off the roost or from open runs after dark.

How to outsmart them:​

Lock your chickens up every night, no exceptions. Cover outdoor runs with netting, and add a soft light near the coop to make the area less appealing for hunting.

2. Snakes​

Snakes don’t usually go for adult chickens, but they’ll happily eat eggs and chicks. If you ever find missing eggs with no shell pieces, or chicks that vanished overnight, a snake might be the culprit.

How to outsmart them:​

Keep grass short around your coop and remove hiding spots like wood piles or tall weeds. Seal small openings, especially near the ground. And keep feed tidy - rats attract snakes, and snakes attract headaches.

3. Cats​

Most adult chickens can handle a curious cat, but chicks don't stand a chance. Feral cats are more likely to attack than pampered house cats, but both are predators at heart.

How to outsmart them:​

If neighborhood cats are hanging around, make sure your run is enclosed. A rooster or even a territorial hen will often keep them in check too.

4. Bears​

If you live near forests or mountains, bears can be a problem. They’re not there for the chickens themselves. They’re usually after feed or the smell of grain, but one swipe of a paw can destroy your entire coop.

How to outsmart them:​

Electric fencing is the best solution. Keep feed inside and clean up any food scraps. A motion-activated alarm or bright lights can also scare them off.

5. Skunks​

Skunks don’t usually kill adult chickens, but they love eggs and chicks. You might smell them before you see them, and if you do, good luck forgetting it.

How to outsmart them:​

Close up small entry holes and keep feed sealed. If one’s already hanging around, you can trap and relocate it safely (but wear old clothes… you’ll thank me later).

6. Humans​

It’s sad, but true. Sometimes humans are the worst predators. Theft, neglect, and vandalism happen more often than we like to think. Sometimes it’s a neighbor’s kid, sometimes it’s someone looking to make a quick buck.

How to outsmart them:​

Use motion lights, trail cameras, or even a dummy security camera to keep watch. Know your neighbors, and make your coop look like it’s being watched. A simple “Smile, you’re on camera” sign often works wonders.

7. Crows and ravens​

Crows and ravens don’t usually attack full-grown chickens, but they’ll raid nests for eggs or steal feed. They’re clever, persistent, and work in teams.

How to outsmart them:​

Collect eggs often and cover nesting boxes. Hang reflective tape or set up a scarecrow near the coop. Changing their environment every few days keeps them guessing.

Keeping Your Flock Safe​

No matter which predators you’re dealing with, the basics of protection are the same:

1. Use strong materials. Chicken wire keeps chickens in but it doesn’t keep predators out. Use hardware cloth for walls, vents, and windows.
2. Lock up tight. Close the coop every night and use sturdy locks.
3. Bury your fence. Predators dig. Make sure your fence goes at least 12 inches underground.
4. Cover the top. A roof or net keeps hawks, owls, and climbing predators away.
5. Keep things clean. Don’t leave feed or scraps lying around—they attract trouble.
6. Use motion lights or cameras. They scare off intruders and help you see what’s visiting your yard.
7. Supervise free-ranging. Let your chickens out when you’re around. They’re safer with you nearby.

Think of it like this: your coop is your chickens’ castle, and you’re the castle builder. The more you think like a predator, the better you’ll be at stopping one. Here are some more articles on how you can protect your flock from predators:

• Top 10 Ways to Protect Your Chickens from Predators
• Common Predators to Look Out For In The Fall
• Winter Chicken Predators To Look Out For
• Protecting Your Chickens from Springtime Predators
• The Secret Weapon for Safe Coops: Why Hardware Cloth is a Backyard Chicken Must-Have

A Quick Note on the Legal Stuff​

Before you go setting traps or building your own mini fortress, it’s worth checking your local laws. Some predators, like hawks, owls, and eagles, are protected species, which means you can’t harm or trap them, no matter how many chickens they’ve stolen. The same goes for certain mammals in some areas, like foxes or raccoons.

Instead, focus on deterrents and coop improvements. A motion light, covered run, or even a rooster alarm system (aka your loudest bird) can do wonders without getting you in trouble. Think of it this way: you’re not fighting nature, you’re just putting up better fences. And that’s perfectly legal, not to mention smarter in the long run.

Nature vs. Nurture​

Predators aren’t evil, they’re just doing what nature designed them to do. But that doesn’t make it any easier when one gets into your coop.

The key is to stay one step ahead. With good planning, smart building, and a touch of stubbornness, you can keep your flock safe and sound.

And honestly? There’s nothing more satisfying than knowing you’ve outsmarted a raccoon, a fox, and a hawk all in one week. Your chickens might not thank you out loud, but you’ll see it in their calm clucking and steady egg-laying.

For more discussions on other predators and how to deal with and deter them, see the Predators and Pests section of the forum. Which predator is giving you sleepless nights? Let us know in the comments!

If you liked this list, check out some of the other great lists we have here: BYC Top Lists!