Official BYC Poll: How Do You Protect Your Chickens From Predators?

[Carson213]

Aviary netting (nylon not plastic) is pretty cost effective. The bigger cost was putting 12ft posts into the ground to keep the net up nice and high.

i have posts for the fencing but how big are the sheets of netting? my run is 175x200’. will snow fall through it or pull it down? do i need posts in the middle?

 

[WVBirdsAndBees]

Our coops are close to the house and well lit at night. Between that, solid latches, the scent of our big dogs, and the coops being raised, nothing has messed with our birds. Well, except for a human who has been snatching eggs lately.

If a predator did get in (or if anything threatens during the day), my 10+ pound lavender orpington roo doesn't take too kindly to threats. I wouldn't want to tangle with him so I don't imagine a raccoon would enjoy it much either.

 

[Carson213]

i have posts for the fencing but how big are the sheets of netting? my run is 175x200’. will snow fall through it or pull it down? do i need posts in the middle?

we have owls, hawks, turkey vulture, falcons and harriers where i live...so it’s def a threat

 

[Shezadandy]

i have posts for the fencing but how big are the sheets of netting? my run is 175x200’. will snow fall through it or pull it down? do i need posts in the middle?

I think the biggest sheet is 50 x 100ft -- (edited to add: There are 100x100ft ones for a lot more $$) my run is also very large and extends well past the rain shelter on both sides - I used zip ties (the smallest version, 4" I think) to stitch them together at the seams. You wouldn't want to deal with a bigger piece than 50x100, trust me!! The key is don't cut it to size until it's up and secured, and having helpers makes it much easier. It's a PIA but the end result is worth the effort.

Search Amazon for "aviary netting" The 2.4" stuff has done the job for me- especially if snow is a concern, I wouldn't want to use the 1" opening stuff. Really strong stuff. I found a full grown possum that had tried to climb the fence get wrapped up in the exra stuff that was hanging over the sides - and it got stuck and perished. Not an intentional outcome, but it couldn't break free.

I'm also on a hill, so absent the poles it would be hard to walk around in there without the posts, even with 6ft chain link (which has hardware cloth top to bottom attached). The chain link comes in handy because all it takes to attach the net to the fence line is slipping it through the top where there's a loop of wire.

The other reason I like it is it disappears- very unobtrusive. We don't get a lot of snow - the holes are 2" or so, and the snow does fall through - but some will collect on the netting. For the storms we have experienced, when the snow melts everything springs back up by itself.

 

[BDutch]

i have posts for the fencing but how big are the sheets of netting? my run is 175x200’. will snow fall through it or pull it down? do i need posts in the middle?

That’s a lot bigger then my garden.
This big is not a run. This is a fenced free range area.

 

[chrissynemetz]

I just bought a realistic looking mannequin to keep away the hawk that recently attacked.View attachment 2517668

It's kinda creepy looking.... I like it

 

[Tashua]

Predators are one of the greatest fears a chicken farmer has. They can be cunning, fast, and very sneaky. Your chickens will be drawing in predators from the next county over! Well, maybe not that far, however somewhere back in these predators' ancient memories they have eaten wild chickens at some point and will come snooping around for a meal day and night. So keeping them safe from predators should be on every chicken keeper's top priority list.

How Do You Protect Your Chickens From Predators? Place your votes above (you may select more than one)

Feel free to share any other ways you keep your chickens safe in the comments section below.

View attachment 2517029

Further Reading:

Top 10 Chicken Predators
A Checklist To Avoiding Casualties In The Flock
Predators & Pests

(Check out more exciting Official BYC Polls HERE!)

Besides what was available to vote I also buried wire 18” down & out around the coop to make an “apron” so digging would be discouraged .
We have : coyotes ,red & grey fox,possums,raccoons,hawks, 2 kinds of skunks . Other less often seen black bear & bobcat!
Thank goodness the wild boar aren’t interested in chickens ?

 

[Tashua]

i am amazed that one of the highest percentages is a covered chicken run...it seems like that would cost a fortune.

We covered ours with recycled tin roofing , much of the materials were recycled .

 

[Curnow]

Game camera and a 17 hmr or 12 gauge . Carcasses get tossed back in coop for chickens to cannibalize

Savages!!!! We keep savages for help with predators....A Savage .17 hmr by one door and a Savage 6.5 creedmoor at another...both ready to go!

 

[Artichoke Lover]

We covered ours with recycled tin roofing , much of the materials were recycled .

We used old tarps! It’s rare for us to get snow more than once every couple of years though.