Raccoons, hawks, and even your neighbor’s dog won’t stand a chance.
If you’re raising chickens, predators are inevitable—but panic doesn’t have to be. With the right setup, your coop can become a fortress. This blueprint shows you how to predator-proof your setup once and for all—so you can finally sleep through the night.
🐾 The Midnight Threat Is Real
You might be tucked in by 10, but raccoons, foxes, coyotes, and owls are just getting started. Chickens, unfortunately, make easy prey: they’re soft, slow, and sound asleep after dusk.
And while chicken wire might look like security, most predators treat it like a suggestion.
To win this invisible backyard war, you need layers of smart, simple defense.
💥 The 5-Layer Defense Strategy
Think of your coop like a castle. One wall won’t cut it—you need a system. Here’s your battle plan:
1. Bury the Fence Line
Most predators dig under coops. If your fencing just sits on the surface, they’ll tunnel in overnight.
Fix: Dig a trench around the coop and bury ½-inch hardware cloth at least 12 inches deep, or lay it outward in an L-shape apron. This blocks diggers before they even get started.
2. Swap Chicken Wire for Hardware Cloth
This is a game-changer. Chicken wire keeps chickens in, not predators out. Raccoons can tear through it. Snakes can slip through.
Fix: Use galvanized hardware cloth (½-inch mesh) on everything: vents, windows, the run—even the floor if your coop is raised.
3. Secure Latches Like a Human Wouldn’t
Raccoons are clever. They have thumbs. They can open twist latches, hook-and-eyes, and even slide bolts.
Fix: Use locking carabiners, padlocks, or spring-loaded barrel latches. If it’s toddler-proof, it’s raccoon-resistant.
4. Cover the Run From Above
Aerial predators—hawks, owls—can swoop in and snatch hens in seconds. And climbers like raccoons or possums? They love to scale.
Fix: Cover your entire run with hardware cloth, aviary netting, or a wooden roof. Bonus: it gives your flock shade and shelter from rain, too.
5. Use Lights and Cameras
Predators hate surprises. Motion-activated lights can be enough to deter most. Cameras help you track patterns—so you’re always one step ahead.
Fix: Install solar motion lights near coop doors and runs. Set up a basic trail cam to see who’s lurking after dark.
☀️ Sleep Easy, Rise to Eggs
Predators are part of nature—but so is protection. When your coop is locked down with smart defenses, you win the night.
Your hens deserve safety. You deserve peace of mind.
And in the morning? A basket full of thank-you clucks.
