Country Critters Predator Patrol

Poultry Lifestyle Feather & Flannel

Prevent digging:

Foxes and coyotes may attempt to burrow under the coop to gain entry. To stop this, bury a hardware cloth skirt around the perimeter of the coop, extending it about 12 inches deep and outward in a horizontal“ apron.” This simple measure can effectively block digging attempts. Coyotes will get bored after trying to dig for hours, although they are known to be persistent.

Some additional features can further improve security:

• Install motion-activated lights to startle nocturnal predators.

• Consider using an automatic coop door that locks the flock safely inside at dusk.

• Employ cameras or alarms to monitor and respond to potential threats.

• Installing solar powered flashing red lights work well too.

Remove perching sites near the coop and keep the area clean to avoid attracting unwanted intruders.

Smart Free-Ranging Practices

Free-ranging chickens may be happier, but it comes with risks. Fall’ s increased predator activity makes it all the more important to adopt cautious and controlled free-ranging habits.

Avoid letting your chickens roam unsupervised for extended periods. Instead, limit free-ranging to times when you can actively monitor them, preferably in mid-morning to early afternoon. These hours are safer because many trespassers, including foxes and coyotes, tend to be less active during this time. Use secure runs: If free-ranging is a big part of your chickens’ routine, consider setting up a secure, covered run. A run with a sturdy roof will protect against aerial hunters like hawks. You can also use orange netting, as hawks and owls are highly sensitive to the color and may steer clear of it. Provide cover and shelter: Adding shrubs, trees or artificial shelters within the free-ranging area provides chickens with a place to hide from aerial predators. Encourage your flock to stay near these safe zones instead of wandering into open areas.

Utilizing Guard Animals

Guard animals and creative deterrents play a supportive but valuable role in predator management. Used correctly, they can turn a potential attack into a non-issue.

While dogs can be invaluable as guard animals, it’ s important to remember that domestic dogs, whether your own or your neighbors’ pets, are a leading cause of backyard poultry losses.

Dogs often attack out of curiosity, excitement or instinct, and may chase, injure or kill multiple birds in a short period, sometimes leaving survivors traumatized. Unlike wild predators that may take a single bird and leave, dogs often inflict more widespread harm.

To prevent dog attacks on your flock, ensure your property is surrounded by secure fencing that dogs cannot jump over or dig under. Fall is a great time to

check gates and latches for wear and tear, and to make any needed repairs before winter sets in.

If pets are present, closely supervise their interactions with poultry and provide consistent training to ensure they don’ t see chickens as prey or playthings.

Communicate with neighbors to establish visiting dogs are kept away from your property, and keep your flock safely enclosed if you know loose dogs are in the area. Employ guard animals: Properly trained livestock guard dogs, such as Great Pyrenees or Anatolian Shepherds, can protect your flock day and night. Guard geese can also deter smaller intruders, as they are territorial and loud, often scaring away raccoons and foxes.

Predators are opportunistic, and making your yard less inviting can discourage them:

• Remove food attractants such as spilled chicken feed, unsecured trash or compost piles.

• Eliminate potential hiding or nesting spots around the perimeter by trimming bushes and clearing debris.

Fall brings unique challenges to predator management, but with the right strategies, you can effectively protect your flock.

Focus on understanding predator behavior, reinforcing coop security and adopting innovative freeranging practices. By staying vigilant and proactive, you can enjoy a secure and thriving flock well into the colder months.

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Prepping Your Flock for Fall’ s Chill

By Christy Caplan

From harvest-themed décor to draft-proof comfort, make your chicken ' s home autumn-ready and winterproof. Backyard chicken keepers need to prepare their flocks for the cooler months ahead. Your chickens will need a cozy, safe and even festive haven before the cold winter months arrive. But it’ s not just about keeping your birds warm; it ' s about safeguarding their health, happiness and well-being through the challenging colder seasons.

A cozy, clean, well-ventilated coop in fall means fewer problems for you in winter.

“ In my experience, a fall coop makeover is really important because it sets the stage for a healthy winter. As temps drop, moisture tends to build up fast, especially inside coops and that can lead to respiratory problems, frostbite and lots of issues for your flock,” Katrina Jean-Laflamme, co-founder at UKKÖ Robotics, said.

“ Fall is the best time to check your ventilation, clean out any leftover bedding or droppings and make sure your coop is dry, draft-free and still gets enough air circulation,” Laflamme added.

Why a Fall Coop Makeover is Crucial

Proper fall preparation is key to preventing a host of issues that can negatively impact your flock ' s health and productivity. Think of it as an annual wellness check for their home, with five specific ways to set your flock up for success.

• Block harsh drafts: Cold, biting drafts are more than just uncomfortable; they can significantly add stress to your chickens, which

Get your flock ready for winter.

weakens their immune system, making them more susceptible to illness. Keeping your coop well-sealed is key to maintaining a stable, livable internal temperature, especially at night.

The first critical step is to inspect your coop thoroughly. Walk around it, both inside and out. Inspect the walls, roof and foundation for any gaps, cracks or holes. Use a flashlight inside on a sunny day to easily spot light coming through any openings. Seal any gaps that may cause drafts with wood, caulk or expanding foam.

• Enhance warmth with insulation and cozy bedding: For a truly cozy coop, especially if you live in a colder climate, consider adding insulation. Foam board insulation covered with a protective layer such as plywood or thin paneling( to prevent chickens from pecking at it) can be installed on the interior walls. For the floor, or to add an extra layer of warmth, introduce a thick layer of natural bedding materials with straw or pine shavings.

DIY TIP: If you have extra blanket( fiberglass) insulation from a house project, you can use that,( it works well in small spaces). Just make sure the birds can’ t peck at and ingest any of the material.

Many chicken keepers choose to follow the " deep litter method," where layers of bedding are gradually added over time to provide extra insulation. This method also adds a small amount of natural heat as the organic matter slowly composts, contributing to a warmer environment. However, you must ensure that the bedding is always dry and regularly refresh and replace it to prevent moisture buildup.

• Control moisture: Chickens naturally produce moisture through their respiration and droppings. In a poorly ventilated or damp coop,