Coyotes?

[Criticalicious]

Definitely need to cover the top with hardware cloth or a solid barrier because almost anything could climb in through the top. Coyotes can scale chain link easily if they're determined, although your bigger threat is probably raccoons or hawks. I would add 1/2" or 1/4" hardware cloth up the bottom 3 feet or so from the ground in addition to the chain link as well, because raccoons can stick their hands through the chain link to get at your babies.

 

[imnukensc]

Coyotes are found in every state in the USA. They don't just regulate themselves to the woods and they do hunt in the day time. Had four chickens killed at 10 AM by coyotes about 3 months ago.

 

[NHMountainMan]

Coyote may be the most adaptable predator on the planet. Without wolves to compete in most of the lower 48, they now inhabit every state but Hawaii. They can and do live in cities - a ton in Chicago and even in NYC. Historically - coyote were solitary hunters, but most eastern coyote now have about 25% dog and wolf DNA - and will hunt in packs, will come straight into your backyard in broad daylight, and are smart enough to learn your pattern (ie - do you let the dogs in at x time, do your chickens roam certain times)

Depending on where you live, you might face different challenges. Depending on the type and size of your dogs, they may be a great deterrent. But the other advice you got is correct - they can dig, so make sure your run is dig proof. They will climb, but I think that risk is pretty low - especially if your dogs are so close.

Good luck

 

[HomesteaderWife]

Coyotes aren't scared of being near houses, from experience. We just had a pack of them behind the house full yipping last night.

 

[itsasmallfarm]

depends if you have the eastern or western coyote.

eastern coyotes are much bigger (thought to be maybe hybrids of coyotes and wolves) then our western coyotes.

i think there pretty much everyone in north america (Canada and USA) and yes they are even common in wolf areas.

we have lots of coyotes on our hunting land. and there are quite a few wolves in the area.

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

stray dogs can be just as big a problem, and would post a similar threat.

I've had more problems from dogs than coyotes. They both want to do the same thing.

 

[Lone Star Leghorn]

We live in the country, and have all sorts of animals running around. I have two foxes and a pack of three coyotes that frequent my property that we are going to have to do something about. I know in my area there is what they call a coyote roundup. They will come to your property at night and dispatch the coyotes. We have lots of coons, etc.

 

[cmom]

Coyotes are everywhere. Here they mostly roam at night. I usually see them on one of my game cameras most nights. I have had them jump over a 5' fence into a pen and back out chasing some birds that also tried to escape the coyote. I have had them try to dig under a fence. I have electric wire around my coops and pens so when they touch the wire they abort the attempt.