Tips for Making Your Chicken Coop’s More Secure
As more people are keeping chickens at home, farmers now aren’t the only ones looking for a way to keep foxes out of chicken coops.
In general, foxes are a big concern for those who keep chickens, so it’s imperative to keep your coops secured and fox free. However, that’s easier said than done, so let’s look at 4 ways you can keep foxes out of your chicken coops/houses:
1. Shine A Light
One of the simplest ways to deter foxes is through light. This works well in small spaces, so having motion-sensitive floodlights that come on when they sense movement is really useful.
That said, as foxes become more urbanised, they are often not deterred by lights simply going on and off, so while standard floodlights may work well, you can get specific lights designed to scare off predators. These will flash in different colours and at different patterns and are much more effective in warding them off.
2. A Secure Coop
When looking to purchase a chicken coop/house, you need to look for one which is built using only high-quality materials. As well as this, you can also find chicken coops that have built-in safety/locking features.
Here at Eggshell Online, we only produce coops and houses which are made from high-quality wood. Many of our coops/houses also feature a fox resistant wiring. As an example, our Betty Air chicken coop features a fox-proof galvanised lock (which is rust free) and high-quality wood, helping to make this coop safe and sturdy.
3. Make A Fox-Proof Enclosure
If your coop isn’t the most modern or isn’t in the best state, then don’t throw in the towel in terms of protecting your flock. A coop can also have an outer enclosure to act as a double barrier.
All you’ll need is some trellis (readily available at any DIY store), some high-quality, heavy-duty chicken wire, and for completion, some fence/wall spikes. This is especially important if your enclosure can be accessed by a fox climbing a neighbour’s shed or wall. Secure it 10 to 12 inches below the ground as well and you’ll have a really secure enclosure. Don’t forget to include a door and secure that the same way.
4. Electrify The Fences
If you want to take chicken protection to the next level, then an electrified net fence might be the way to go. It can be pricey if you’ve got a large pasture, but for smaller flocks or free-range chickens, then there’s little better. Despite what you might think, the electric shock that it gives doesn’t hurt the fox unduly (or the chickens for that matter), but gives a short, sharp, albeit harmless shock to their nose. It works as both a physical and psychological barrier. Once shocked, they’ll very rarely try again. If you are going to do that, make sure you build it high enough to prevent them from trying to jump the fence.
Keeping chickens is an incredibly rewarding pastime, but, like anything, it’s not without its dangers and hazards. With a little planning and effort, you can keep your chickens safe, secure, and living long, healthy lives.
Contact Us
If you are concerned about your chicken’s safety and want to invest in a high-quality chicken coop which will provide all the safety and security you need, then we at Eggshell Online have you covered. Call us today on 01903 756121 , or visit our contact page for more details.
