There may be more than at least one this time (Alt-Right)

[thewingman_landon]

The history of chickens (Gallus domesticus) is a bit of a puzzle. They were first domesticated from a wild form called red junglefowl (Gallus gallus), a bird that still runs wild in most of southeast Asia, likely hybridized with the gray junglefowl (G. sonneratii).
Common predators that feed on poultry flocks include the following mammals, reptiles, and birds:

• dogs and coyotes.
• bobcats.
• house cats.
• foxes, especially red foxes.
• raccoons.
• members of the weasel family, especially least and long-tailed weasels.
• skunks.
• opossums.

how do i defend my chickens. please i am new.

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC We're so glad you joined us Hardware cloth and electric fencing are your friends, btw you left out hawks, eagles, and owls. Check out the coop design thread as well as this forum. There are tons of good ideas out here.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I think your list may be missing quite a few predators.

Hawks, eagles, bears, etcetera.

Pretty much everything thinks chickens are tasty.

Good solid wire pen, many use hardware cloth and welded wire. Electric fence either stranded or electrical poultry netting. Apron on the run so diggers cannot easily dig in. Lid on the run so flyers, jumpers and climbers cannot get in. Motion sensor lighting will both spook the less brave and alert you of activity.

A good livestock guardian dog that has been properly trained NOT to eat your bird helps too.

Oh and dogs..... Were dogs on your list? How about mountain lions?

Yup tasty chickens.

 

[K3nzi3]

Some tips
-Bury your fence UNDER the dirt (I go at least 7 inches)
-Place heavy, large stones around the perimeter of your run
- Electric Fencing
- Very small-spaced wire
- Cement/pavers placed around the run.
- Build a coop with a wooden bottom
- Raise the coop off the ground slightly
- Consider a male turkey for protection. (Guinea hens for 'guard dogs.)
Hope this helps a little! Just search around the internet a little, and you will find lots of information! Good luck!

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! You can't build a coop that's too big or too safe! Many of use have learned the hard way (for our birds!) that predators are always ready to find the weak spots in our structures. Mary