Badgers?

[PirateGirl]

So I finally confirmed with my own eyes that the holes in our field are from BADGERS! I know there are different types, so I will say I am in the US in Colorado (if that makes any difference). Are they a threat to my chickens? I know they are strong and can dig under and/or break through my fence/coop most likely if they want to. Realistically do I have to worry about badgers getting in and eating my whole flock? I have never lived anywhere with badgers before and am relatively new to chicken ownership. I do not free range due to the coyote population and neighbors' dogs. I have no clue what typical badger behavior is other than that they are relatively reclusive and capable of killing and eating anything.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

That's pretty cool. I'm in the badger state and we don't ever see badgers. I would assume they are like most predators that generally won't bother your birds unless they are starving or are an individual looking for a simple meal. I would assume they would be destructive if they did break in.

I personally wouldn't worry, but would keep an eye out and possibly a game camera on my coop at night. I would assume electric fencing would work for them like it does for bears, but I haven't dealt with them. A few strands run around the coop and run should work.

I would be interested in seeing if anyone else has dealt with them.

 

[PirateGirl]

That's pretty cool. I'm in the badger state and we don't ever see badgers. I would assume they are like most predators that generally won't bother your birds unless they are starving or are an individual looking for a simple meal. I would assume they would be destructive if they did break in.

I personally wouldn't worry, but would keep an eye out and possibly a game camera on my coop at night. I would assume electric fencing would work for them like it does for bears, but I haven't dealt with them. A few strands run around the coop and run should work.

I would be interested in seeing if anyone else has dealt with them.

They have a good natural food source, and I have my coop close to the house, so hopefully my hens are ignored.