How likely are coyotes inside a fenced yard during daytime?

[newmarch2014]

I had a talk with my Biology professor who is VERY coyote experienced as she headed up a research project concerning coyote behavior modification. She has a Phd in animal behavior. She says that like most animals coyotes are opportunistic and will always choose the path of least resistance so if they are particularly hungry and you and your neighbor both have fences but your neighbor has an intimating dog then yes there is a higher chance that they will enter your yard to look for food. On the other hand if they have ample food opportunities in their normal hunting areas then they are not likely to enter a fenced yard. They generally will not attack people even tiny ones and most people/coyote encounters are due to an accompanying animal they are interested in for food. Here is an informative link that does give you some scary statistics but has some great advice http://www.desertusa.com/animals/coyote-faq.html but to reduce the chances of encounters remember that dusk is their most common hunting time and there are things you can do to predator proof your fence much like the means to make a fence more secure for keeping dogs IN them. A piece of pvc that spins around a cable installed at the top of the fence is one useful deterrent. Also motion sensor lights are helpful.

 

[NEChickenNoob]

I have been told my a similar PhD type person that coyotes will try to dig the same hole more than once. Bury a foot trap and fill in the hole and you'll get the devil. I wouldn't do this in a neighborhood or where local dogs may be the culprit. Check local laws as well as some will not allow for the usage of such traps, especially without a trapper's license.

 

[mpghm]

Thanks everyone, very useful info. We'll likely postpone the chickens until we can get a dog and our kids get a bit older.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

... You might try "predator pee" It's a neat product. http://www.predatorpee.com/
They say their "Wolf Pee" is the one to use for coyotes.

In the accompanying video coyotes don't seem at all put off by the sight, the sound or the actual smell of a large wolf pack so I don't think sprinkling a little wolf fizz behind your hens ears is going to repel coyotes worth a you know what. In fact most predator urine makes a darn good attractant for predators. Google trapping lures to learn more.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H5N1

Watch this video only if you dislike coyotes eating your poultry and want to see a coyote get what he has coming to him. It seems that the wolfs' bite is more dangerous to a coyote than the wolfs' bark, sight, sound, smell, or urine, only the wolfs' footsteps seems to impress a coyote.

 

[johnderosa1]

I also have a 3 year old that loves to be outside. I put a 7ft metal hex deer fence around the backyard area that houses my chickens but didnt think it was enough. We have lots of predators around here including coyotes and bears. I added a predator rated electric fence charger and two strands of wire. I feel pretty confident that all are safe with this setup.

Another benefit of installing and electric fence is the entertainment factor... 2 nights after installing mine a coyote "tested" it at about 2:00am... Its yelp woke both my son and I up from a dead sleep and we could hear him yelping for about a half a mile as he ran off. I watched a squirrel hit the top stand and its amazing how far they can "fly". The local squirrels have all been trained and keep about a 20 foot buffer between themselves and the fence now. Its incredible to have a full bird feeder completely ignored by them even though they are foraging just on the other side off the fence. No bears either. Its the first time in years i havent had my bird feeder destroyed by my black furry friends. Finally, its even entertaining for my 3 year... She was hysterically laughing for about 15 minutes after i accidentally leaned my backside through the fence while working in my garden a few weeks ago and it touched the top strand on the other side. Whoever said white men cant jump... Didnt see me that day!!!!! Now i know why that coyote was still yelping 1/2 mile away.

 

[mpghm]

Any other animals I could consider that would be both suited for backyard life, and a nuisance to any curious coyotes?