Best Ways to Protect Chickens from Predators

 To build a chicken run that can protect chickens from predators is an important step in your building project.

You will have peace of mind that your chickens are protected from wild animals and roaming dogs or even cats. Following a few simple steps will help you create a chicken run you can count on.

Learn to build a coop that prevents attacks: Building a Chicken Coop

Most people don’t have the ability to have a free-range yard protected by a fence for chickens to roam.

The chicken run solves the problem for chickens that are not living on a free-range area in daytime. Because chicken runs need to be secure from predators day and night.

Did you know that chickens need at least 10 square feet each outdoors? They forage for food like bugs, grass, weeds and even pebbles. Use the following steps to secure the chickens.

Step #1 
Attach the chicken run to the coop building. Sink wire around the outline of the space about 1 foot deep, and at an angle facing into the pen so predators can’t dig under the fence to get the chickens.

Step #2
Protect chickens from predators by investing in good quality materials. Sink 2x4” posts about 6-12” deep at intervals and attach fencing securely.

Hardware mesh is found at your local hardware store. It’s better as fencing because animals can’t squeeze through it or bend the wire.

Step #3
Install a sensitive security light outside the chicken coop. A motion detector that activates a bright light will often frighten away a predator.

Step #4
Install a latch that locks on the door of the chicken coop and on the gate of the chicken run. A simple lock or secure latch is the main way to protect chickens from predators at night. Find one that can’t be tampered with because wild animals can easily open typical garden style latches of a gate.

Step #5
Be sure to provide good access from the chicken coop. Use a door that swings out and can be latched or locked at night. The chickens will learn to push on the door to exit or enter.

Step #6
Wild animals have learned to fear people for good reason. Here is a cruelty-free way to build a chicken run that protects from predators. Collect the hair from hairbrush and put it in a cloth bag or pillowcase. Hang the bag outside the fence of the chicken run. The scent of the human hair will frighten animals from even approaching the chicken coop.

There is nothing worse than coming out in the morning to find the remains of an attack on the hen house, so chickens need some extra protection that you can easily provide.

However, chicken’s exercise and access to the outdoors is so important you shouldn’t let your fear of predators limit them.

Building a chicken run that protects chickens from predators is an easy installation to your main chicken coop plans. Remember, don’t overcrowd the chickens and check the fencing regularly.

Here are the plans I settled on:

They really worked for me and I got the chicken coop I wanted within my budget and my building skills. I highly recommend you check out Building a Chicken Coop.

It is the ultimate guide to planning and building your own coop in your backyard. In includes drafts of plans, dimensions, materials lists and sources to everything you need to build a sustainable chicken coop.