Chicken Predators

Coyote

Coyotes are usually found in North America from Alaska to Mexico and as far away as Panama. They have adapted to the environmental changes caused by urbanization and human occupation within the rural areas.

They are usually most active at night, however in locations where their natural habitat continues to be undisturbed by human settlements and activities, they are also active during the day, particularly during cool weather conditions. There are coyotes, however, that have already adapted to the existence of human beings and they are often active even during day time.

Coyotes belong to the canine family, are medium sized and weigh between 22 and 25 pounds. They have large erect ears, a slender muzzle and bushy tail with the male of the breed noticeably bigger than the female. They are either brownish-tan with streaks of gray or darker with less brown. They have a unique voice which includes howls, high-pitched yaps, and intermittent dog-like barks.

They are chicken predators but also prey on domestic fowl such as ducks, geese and turkeys. Merely shooting these chicken predators will not stop them, you either need to trap them or better still, ensure that the area around your chicken coop is coyote-proof. 

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Fisher Cat

A member of the weasel family, the fisher cat is often known as the pekan cat or black cat. Fishers reside in a band within the forest and are only found within the North American continent.

Adult males weigh from 7 to 12 pounds and may reach as much as 40 inches long including their tail which can be from 12 to 15 inches long. Adult females are smaller, approximately weighing from 4 to 5.5 pounds. Male fisher cats appear grizzled due to the tri-colored hairs along their neck and shoulder areas.

They've got short legs, small ears, plus a long well-furred tail. The color of their coat ranges from dark brown to almost black. They have big feet with 5 sharp toes which they make use of for climbing trees and killing their prey.

These chicken predators generally prey on medium sized mammals and poultry. The only way to prevent a fisher cat attack is to ensure that your chickens are secure inside their coops overnight.

Fox

Foxes are fast and extremely skilled hunters, preying on mice, cottontail rabbits and poultry birds. While mainly nocturnal, they are active and at times also come out to hunt during the day.

The fox looks like a bushy-tailed, medium sized dog with their long tail as the most recognizable and distinguishing characteristic. They typically weigh between 10 to 15 pounds and are 39 to 41 inches in length.

Foxes are the nemesis of poultry owners. They usually hunt two hours after sundown and two hours prior to sunup and carry off their prey a good distance away. They are well known for raiding chicken farms particularly during spring since they need to provide food for their growing litters.

For more information on chicken predators, see Chicken Predator (page 2).

Want to Build a Coop That Will Keep
Your Chickens Safe From Predators?

If you answered "Yes" to this question, you will want to take a look at the top selling guide, Building A Chicken Coop.

Find out how to protect your coop from predators such as foxes, coyotes, cats, hawks and many more.

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