According to the Learning Center on here: both I have a family living in my meadow and so far they are coexisting with my chickens. More interested in the grubs they dig up from the lawn. As long as your coop is secured they shouldn't be a problem. I actually prefer them to other varmints like possums & raccoons - they know what they have for defense and are not spooky around humans because of it.
No they are pretty harmless if your coop is up to snuff. but they do stink even if they are just cruising around your yard area and then wander off, I can tell they have been around for hours to come. AL
They are opportunists, so if given the chance they will go after both. That being said, I have been sharing space with one for several years now and have not had any predation, but I also lock my henhouse at night so nothing can get in. Skunks like to look for an easy meal and thus are pretty easy to deter. The biggest problem I've had with the skunk is it sprayed my pup last fall.
Thanks everyone we woke up to the house stinking with the storm windows in went outside and swore one was in yard. Its good to know were good. The Amish usually go out blaring shot guns for ones under coop. Me we would rather get a good shot to the head no spraying. Well this one probally went to bed. I just wondered being fall, they are probally looking for things to fatten up for winter nap, Yes?
Just had a skunk in the garage last night. Garage is attached to house and I was going to get something out of the freezer. Opened the door and skunk is helping himself to the cats food and cats are just watching nonchalontly. Skunk waddled off to hide, BEHIND my freezer. Needless to say, I shut off the garage light and waited till a couple of hours later to go to freezer. He was gone then. There was only a slight lingering odor that was gone in a few hours.
