Assume something is always testing the coop
Even in town, backyard chickens draw attention from raccoons, foxes, hawks, neighborhood dogs, and rats. Most losses happen at night, at dusk when the door is left open, or through one weak spot a predator found and came back to. The good news: a few solid habits and materials prevent most of it.
- Close the coop every night, or use an automatic door and confirm it worked.
- Use 1/2-inch hardware cloth on every opening, not chicken wire.
- Stop digging with a wire apron or buried wire around the run.
- Use latches that need two steps to open.
- Cover the top of the run.
- Do not leave feed out overnight, and keep it in a sealed metal can.
Predator by predator
Common North American chicken predators and what stops them. Local wildlife varies.
| Predator | Typical signs | What helps most |
|---|
| Raccoon | Night attacks, birds pulled through wire, opened latches | Hardware cloth, two-step or locking latches, coop closed nightly |
|---|
| Fox and coyote | Missing birds, often at dawn or dusk, feathers scattered | Fully enclosed run, dig barrier, birds in before dark |
|---|
| Dogs | Several birds killed at once, fencing pushed or dug | Strong run walls, solid gate latches, talk with neighbors |
|---|
| Hawks and owls | Daytime (hawks) or night (owls) attacks in open runs | Covered run, shrubs or shelters for cover, coop closed at night |
|---|
| Weasel and mink | Night kills through small gaps | No gaps over about 1 inch; 1/2-inch hardware cloth everywhere |
|---|
| Skunk and opossum | Missing or broken eggs, occasional chick or hen attacks | Collect eggs daily, secure coop, no feed left out |
|---|
| Rats | Missing eggs or chicks, tunnels, chewed bags | Sealed feed storage, solid floor or wire under the coop, clean up spills |
|---|
| Snakes | Missing eggs or chicks | Seal small gaps, collect eggs often, keep grass trimmed |
|---|
In some regions, bears, bobcats, or fishers are also a risk. Ask your county extension office or state wildlife agency what is common near you.
Materials that work
Hardware cloth
Welded 1/2-inch mesh, often sold in 19-gauge, is the standard for coop windows, vents, and runs. It is sturdier than chicken wire and small enough to stop raccoon hands and most weasels. Attach it with screws and fender washers, not just staples, on any spot a predator could pull at.
Dig barriers
Two common options: bury hardware cloth about 12 inches down around the run, or lay a flat apron of wire on the ground extending about 12 to 24 inches out from the base and pin it down. Grass grows through an apron and hides it. Diggers start at the wall, hit the wire, and give up.
Latches
Simple hook-and-eye latches and basic slide bolts are not enough for raccoons. Use a latch that needs two separate motions, add a carabiner or padlock clip, or use a spring-loaded bolt.
Run roofs
A solid roof gives shade, keeps the run drier, and stops climbers. Wire tops work too. Bird netting alone keeps out hawks but not raccoons or cats.
Extras
- Motion-activated lights can discourage some night visitors.
- Electric poultry netting or a hot wire near the base of the run can add protection where allowed. Check your local rules first.
- Trim tall grass and brush near the run to reduce cover for predators and rodents.
Automatic doors: helpful, not magic
An automatic coop door closes at dusk or at a set time, which removes the most common failure: forgetting to lock up. But doors can jam, batteries can die, and a hen can be left outside if the door closes before she goes in. Check the door at night for the first couple of weeks, then spot-check regularly. Read more in the automatic door buying guide.
After an attack
- Secure the remaining birds first, in the coop, a crate, or a garage.
- Separate injured birds and keep them warm, quiet, and dark. Call a veterinarian for deep wounds.
- Find the entry point before nightfall. Predators that succeed once usually return the next night.
- Repair with stronger materials, not the same ones.
Wildlife laws matter. Hawks and owls are protected under federal law, and it is illegal to harm them. Trapping or relocating other wildlife is regulated by your state. Contact your state wildlife agency before trapping anything.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best wire for a chicken run?
Welded 1/2-inch hardware cloth. It stops raccoons from reaching through and is strong enough to resist dogs and digging when combined with an apron or buried edge. Chicken wire is not predator-proof.
How do I stop predators from digging under the run?
Lay a wire apron about 12 to 24 inches out from the base of the run and pin it down, or bury hardware cloth about 12 inches deep along the walls.
Do I really need to close the coop every night?
Yes. Most predator losses happen at night. Close the coop door every night, or use an automatic door and verify it closes properly.
Can I kill a hawk that is attacking my chickens?
No. Hawks and owls are protected by federal law. Cover the run, give hens shelter to hide under, and keep birds in a secure run during high-risk times.
What predator takes eggs but leaves the chickens?
Skunks, opossums, rats, snakes, and sometimes raccoons take eggs. Collecting eggs daily, closing gaps, and keeping feed sealed helps a lot.
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