10 Tips for Building and Maintaining a Coyote-Proof Chicken Coop

Chicken farmers everywhere are tasked with keeping their little (or large) flocks safe from predators. One of the more bold and dangerous of those predators is the coyote. Let's look at ways to construct and maintain a building that will ensure chicken coop safety.

Understanding Coyote Behavior and Threats to Chickens

Coyotes are intelligent and opportunistic creatures; they have discovered that the presence of humans greatly increases their choice of meals. From trash bins to unprotected pets and smaller livestock - everything is fair game. Whereas coyotes were traditionally found in the wild and perhaps rural areas, they have now quite comfortably settled into the burbs and even urban centres, giving rise to the need for wildlife management services.

While coyotes are generally too large to get into a chicken coop through the usually fairly small door used by the chickens, they have little issue getting to poultry and other small livestock once they are outside of their abode. Free range chickens are always at risk outside but we can cut down that risk by putting up a strong outdoor run in addition to a sturdy coyote proof coop.

10 Tips for Building and Maintaining a Coyote-Proof Chicken Coop

If you keep chickens you are always concerned for their safety and wellbeing. Whether you raise birds for meat or eggs, their needs are likely at the top of your list of concerns. One of the biggest investments and also one of the most important areas of concern will be your chicken coop. Let's look at what to consider when building a coyote proof chicken coop:

Tip 1: Choose the Right Location for Your Coop

Let's set aside safety for a moment and just think about comfort and needs. We should always pick a spot that offers some shade, but ideally has some southern exposure to capture some heat in the winter. Your chicken coop should be close enough to the house and water sources to make tending to your flock not too cumbersome when trekking through 3 feet of snow.

Tip 2: Use Strong, Durable Materials

Build as strong as you can afford. You may be tempted to use traditional chicken wire (after all, it's named aptly) which is less costly, but hardware cloth is much stronger and won't give way to predators. The openings in wire mesh partitions or hardware cloth are also much smaller, so claws from animals such as fishers cannot reach through and injure your chickens.

Tip 3: Implement Proper Fencing Techniques

Fencing needs to go at least a foot below ground and ideally 6 feet high. Many people don't realize that chickens CAN fly. They usually don't, but they sure can :) And to discourage prolific diggers like skunks or badgers, we'll want to make sure that our fence extends below ground as well. Sturdy posts are also important if we want to keep larger predators such as coyotes out of our chicken run.

Tip 4: Secure All Openings and Entry Points

This is probably a no-brainer but let's talk about it anyways. Especially if you are converting an exisiting older building, sealing up any and all holes and repairing any damaged boards is imperative. Not only will this serve to keep critters out, but also prevent wee chicks from going on an outdoor adventure. Something as small as a missing knot in your wooden board can allow a small chick to escape or a weasel like critter to get in.

Tip 5: Install Motion-Activated Lights and Alarms

While you won't want this to be in locations close enough or sensitive enough to be set off by your chicken flock, motion sensored lights or alarms can be of use in the right location. Experiement. Have some fun with it. Get the kids and the dog to help!

Tip 6: Use Predator-Proof Locks and Latches

Making sure your doors or hatches are difficult to open might be a pain during the winter months (think ski gloves!) but can save your flock from ending up on a lunch menu prematurely. You'd be surprised just how crafty raccoons can be when it comes to figuring out latches.

Tip 7: Create a Covered Run Area

Coyotes aren't the only predators after a quick meal. Birds of prey also pose a signifiant danger to your chicken flock. A covered run is a great way to shield your chickens from the sun AND hungry eyes in the sky.

Tip 8: Maintain Regular Coop Inspections and Repairs

As with any livestock housing, regular inspections are a must. Stuff breaks, screws become loose, and disaster strikes when you least expect it. It's a great idea to do a thorough inspection of the outside of your coop every 3-4 weeks. Also pay attention to the bottom of your building and outdoor run or fence - identify any areas that may have been dug up (hopefully without success) and reinforce.

Tip 9: Implement Proper Waste Management

Your chickens may not be the only reason you have predators lurking around your yard. We often attract all sorts of wildlife with our trash and left overs. Storing your waste and compost at a safe distance may greatly increase your chicken coop security.

Tip 10: Consider Guardian Animals

A vocal dog in the yard can do wonders for keeping wildlife at bay. Of course, this should be a dog focused on guarding your feathered friends, not chase or eat them. The mere presence of a dog will deter a great number of other animals to keep their distance. 

Other Things to Consider

When planning out your chicken coop, don't forget the entertainment section :) Chickens can get bored easily and get themselves in all sorts of trouble - like fighting amongst themselves. Plenty of room and some toys or creative ways to offer feed will help with that. Chickens love mirrors, bells, balls, ladders, swings - get creative and let your inner kid out!

Call Hawkeye for Help with Coyotes

If all of the tips on how to coyote-proof a chicken coop don't yield the desired results, it may be time to call in the Wildlife Control experts. Contact Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control if coyotes are terrorizing your chicken flock or family. Above all else, DO NOT ENGAGE. Coyotes aren't just a danger to your livestock. Let Hawkeye deal with removing them from your property.