PoultryDVM Infographic: Tips for Protecting Flocks from Predators

Tips for Protecting flocks from Predators Brought to you by PoultryDVM There is nothing more horrifying then waking up to a scene like what you might see in a horror movie--blood, guts, feathers, and half eaten remains of your feathered friends. Or in some cases, nothing at all, they have seemingly vanished without a trace. Sadly this could have been prevented with some simple design provisions incorporated into the design of b your coop and run, even if you plan to lock them up every night. Only use Quality Building Materials Forgot poultry wire. Hardware stores don't know what they're talking about---poultry wire is useless against any predator. The only thing poultry wire is good for is to separate chickens-and even then it isn't effective against roosters when they are really out to get one another. Fencing Material Comparison 1/2"(1.27cm) 1"(2.54cm) Poultry netting Chain link Electric netting Hardware cloth Hardware cloth CHARACTERISTICS Hexagon-shaped, easily bendable Diamond-shaped; very heavy Square-shaped; difficult to bend Square-shaped; difficult to bend Nylon netting: electrified USEFUL FOR Dividing up the outdoor run to seperate newbies from the existing flock initially. Works especially well for preventing large predators (bobcats, mountain lions, bears, coyotes) from entering inside Great for daytime pasture free range grazing--if there is no risk of hawks. This is the best This is a lower cost option to use along the top 3 feet and top ceiling of your material to use for everything--but it is most critical for use along the bottom 3 feet of your outdoor run, and to seal off any openings in your coop, including the windows and vents. outdoor run. To protect plants or garden vegetables from rabbits and Can also be used as the buried apron around the perimeter of the run, to help deter predators from your run. Can attach privacy screen which helps cut down on wind and provides an extra security barrier. deer. As the buried apron around the perimeter digging underneath. of the run, to help deter predators from digging underneath. WARNINGS DO NOT USE for predator protection! Be mindful when Be mindful when Will not prevent a racoon from Must be electrified to be effective. cutting. If you leave little bits of wire cutting. If you leave little bits of wire reaching their arms inside and behind where birds can access, if ingested, it can Will not work in areas where grass is overgrown and covers the lower behind where birds decapitating the birds. To prevent this from happening, cause zinc poisoning secure 1/2" hardware cloth along the perimeter of the run, up to at least 3 feet high. can access, if ingested, it can cause zinc poisoning since it's galvanized metal. Most wild animals can easily tear or chew through poultry wire. "hot strands. since it's galvanized metal. Will not work during ice and heavy snow. Will not prevent a racoon from Not as effective reaching their arms inside and decapitating the birds. To prevent during dry conditions. Will not prevent rodents, snakes, and weasels from Will not protect against hawks or owls. this from entering. happening, secure 1/2" hardware cloth along the perimeter of the run, up to at least 3 feet high. Securing Hardware Cloth HOW TO ATTACH UNDERSTANDING SIZES To backed fencing: Galvanized wire or UV-stabilized zip ties, spaced every 3-4 inches in each direction. To wood: Poultry fencing staples, air gun staples, or screws and washers, spaced every 3-4 inches in each direction. 1" x 1" 1/2" x 1/2" 1/4" х 1/4" WIRE Hardware cloth comes in 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-foot heights, in roll lengths anywhere from 5, 25, 50, to 100 feet. MATERIAL SIZE OPENING Hardware cloth is typically more expensive to purchase in hardware stores, and is usually only 5 to 25' rolls are kept in stock. You'll find a better deal purchasing online, in places such as Amazon. GAUGE No Predators ed Assume you've got most types of predators lurking around Go ahead and design it against all common poultry predators, 9 times out of 10 they will show up sooner or later. Protect against digging predators Enclosure Design Modification - Adding an Apron To prevent predators from digging underneath an 'apron' should be installed along the entire perimeter of the run. It is an extension of the fencing and should be either buried 12" (30.5 cm) into the ground or extend outward 11- 24" (30 - 60 cm). If an apron is added, ensure all parts are securely attached (see section above) 11-24 in (30 - 60 cm) Needs to be fixed secerely to the ground using a combination of anchors and large rocks distanced no further than 12 inches apart. PREDATORS WHO DIG Dog Coyote Fox Badger Skunk Rat Protect against raccoons Even if you've never seen or heard of their presence before in your area, always assume there are raccoons. They are very common and widespread. Raccoons are extremely clever and have human-like hands, allowing them the ability to open simple latches and gain access through doors, windows, nestboxes----anything that is accessible to the outside via a latch of sorts. DO NOT USE Barrel bolt Standard gravity latch Hook & Eye Quick Fix DO Installa 3-step locking system for all means of access into the coop and enclosure---door, window, and nestbox latches. Multiple, tight bungee cords Add a double bolt may work as a temporary fix. snap Protect against climbing, jumping, and aerial predators Fully enclose outdoor pens with hardware cloth which is properly supported and reinforced structurally. Any tarps or roofing materials should be secured on TOP of hardware cloth and positioned on a slope to prevent ponding of water or snow (which could potentially cause the roof to collapse). Make perimeter fencing a minimum of 6 feet high. Hardware cloth around the entire enclosure Secure every single strand to the metal beam PREDATORS WHO JUMP Dog Bobcat Coyote Cougar Opossum Cat Eliminate all Gaps, Holes, Cracks & Openings Any larger then a quarter Doorway entrance Between reinforcements Coop vents PREDATORS WHO CAN SQUEEZE THROUGH SMALL SPACES Rat Snake Weasel Skunk Raccoon Mink Additional Tips Build in multiple redundancies Minimize risk. If one part of the structure fails, it will still provide protection so that a predator cannot get inside. Conduct regular inspections Inspect coops at least once a week to assess whether there might be any potential points of entry for predators, or evidence that a predator was attempting to enter. Plan for the 'what if' events What if there is a lot of snowfall this winter? Snow weighs a lot, and if the ceiling isn't properly reinforced, it could collapse under the weight of the snow. Install web cams Installing web cams inside your coop and enclosure is a really good way to keep an eye on your flock. It will allow you to monitor flock behavior to help spot injured or sick birds as well as any potential predators searching for vulnerabilities in the structure. PoultryDVM