How to keep predators from taking eggs.

[El Paso Linda]

My hens and ducks sometimes lay eggs on the ground. I pick them up when I see them but wonder if the hawks and owls in the area will fly down and pick up the eggs.

 

[DobieLover]

My hens and ducks sometimes lay eggs on the ground. I pick them up when I see them but wonder if the hawks and owls in the area will fly down and pick up the eggs.

Hawks are more likely to fly down and take a chicken than an egg.

 

[Folly's place]

Raptors aren't interested in eggs, but will certainly kill chickens! Rats, raccoons, and opossums will eat eggs, and also kill chickens at night when they are roosting. canines of any sort will eat eggs, and chickens. Everyone loves chicken! Plan to protect your birds, and have fewer losses.
Confining your chickens in their coop until later in the afternoon may encourage them to lay eggs in their nest boxes, a much better location. Might work for your ducks too, although i don't know about them.
Mary

 

[Goatlover223]

We all love our fluffy, feathered friends and want to do the best for them. If you already have an established flock or haven’t started yet and are still in the planning stages – this article is definitely for you.
Before I got my chickens I spent the better part of a year researching the breed of chicken I wanted, how to house them and how to keep them safe and healthy.
I was called overly obsessive at times, but so far my efforts have paid off dividends as my girls are healthy and happy and we haven’t had any issues with predators in 5 years.
Today I have put together my favorite 21 tips for keeping your chickens safe from predators and healthy.

Coop Defenses​

Protecting your flock from predators starts with the coop.
Whether you buy it pre-made or build the coop yourself, there are several simple things you can do to make it safer for your chickens.

1. Know The Enemy​

First of all you, need to be aware of likely predators in your area: foxes, hawks, owls, coyotes, raccoons and possums tend to be the most common.
If you know which predators are likely to attack you can create effective defenses to stop them.
Some of these predators are very smart, others opportunists. Each can be deterred by simple backyard security.

2. Bury Chicken Wire​

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If you are constructing a run, it’s important to remember that many predators will try to dig under the run to attack your girls.
One thing to remember: chicken wire will keep chickens in; hardware mesh will keep predators out.
A determined, hungry animal can and will break through chicken wire.
When building your run, make sure you bury hardware mesh at least 2 feet deep around the compound- 4 feet deep would be ideal.

Dig a trench about 6 inches deep and 3 inches wide and bury the hardware mesh to create an underground security perimeter.
This will deter most predators from digging.
If you are using a chicken tractor instead of a run, the same principal applies. Cover the floor of the tractor in hardware mesh to prevent predators digging their way to your chickens.
Note: Occasionally when chickens stand on wire floors in chicken tractors for long periods of time their feet can get cut, so check their feet regularly for cuts or sores.

3. Cover Their Coop​

If you live in an area with lots of hawks and owls you will need to place a cover over your run.
You can use chicken wire to cover your run- this still provides your chickens with visibility but stops any air-bound predators swopping down and attacking your flock.
If you want your birds to have some shade, as well as protection, you could use a tarp sheet instead of chicken wire.

4. Increase Visibility​

If you are fortunate enough to have a large garden, make sure you cut down any tall grass, bush or overgrown areas within 50-75 feet of your coop.
The less cover a predator has, the more vulnerable they are at being seen before attacking.
This with thwart less confident predators, as they won’t risk exposing themselves to attack.

5. Block Any Access Holes​

Make sure you regularly check your coop for any access holes.
Even small trivial gaps/holes can be used by predators to gain access to the coop- a weasel can squeeze through a ½ inch hole.
You do not want a weasel in your coop.
A weasel will kill seemingly for the fun of it and can kill a moderate size flock in a night.
Remember to check your coop at least monthly for signs of attempted entry and reinforce those areas.
It might also surprise you to learn that barn cats will slip into openings and, if hungry enough, they will tag-team and take out your smaller chickens.
It is helpful to prevent predators with savvy climbing skills from entering through the roof of your coop. Lining your coop, or even fencing with metal siding will prevent these agile critters from getting a grip on your fencing, and climbing to the top and over or thorough to your sleeping hens.
You’d be surprised at how easy it is for small predators, like snakes, to slither into coops and eat your eggs, and even your chickens in some cases. Closing off all access holes, while allowing for proper ventilation, can be a challenge for chicken owners.
The best way to solve this is to have openings for ventilation at the top of the coop and prevent predators from climbing into the holes.

6. Lock Your Ladies Up At Night​

Most importantly, remember to lock up your ladies at night!
Use a mechanism that can’t be opened by smart creatures. Raccoons are notoriously intelligent and they can open simple locks & bolts.
I like to use a Carabiner because it requires opposable thumbs to use.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

wonder if the hawks and owls in the area will fly down and pick up the eggs.

Crows and ravens will.

Lot's of good posts. X2 for post #3!

 

[aart]

Chicken wire is not predator proof.

I was called overly obsessive at times, but so far my efforts have paid off dividends as my girls are healthy and happy and we haven’t had any issues with predators in 5 years.

I'm confused....5 years or 1 week?

HELLO! So I am very new to chickens I just bought a 2 roosters and two hens this morning and I’m only experienced in horses, goats, cows and other livestock animals. So what can I do to make sure the chickens stay alive for a while or till they die

 

[El Paso Linda]

Hawks are more likely to fly down and take a chicken than an egg.

Good to know. The hens all find cover for their eggs if they are free ranging. But the Pekin duck is only 5 months old and she lays her eggs in the open instead of going into her coop.

 

[El Paso Linda]

Raptors aren't interested in eggs, but will certainly kill chickens! Rats, raccoons, and opossums will eat eggs, and also kill chickens at night when they are roosting. canines of any sort will eat eggs, and chickens. Everyone loves chicken! Plan to protect your birds, and have fewer losses.
Confining your chickens in their coop until later in the afternoon may encourage them to lay eggs in their nest boxes, a much better location. Might work for your ducks too, although i don't know about them.
Mary

Thanks for the advice. I can delay letting them out of their run until the afternoon. Their run is small by they free range in the yard.

 

[cmom]

Chicken wire is not predator proof but electric wires help. I have my pens covered and find very few eggs in the pens. Every once in a very great while but my birds mostly lay in their nest boxes. Crows and Ravens will get into uncovered pens and take any eggs that are on the ground. Hawks, eagles and owls prefer chicken.

 

[Brooks_]

Know The Enemy

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”​

― Sun Tzu, The Art of War