How to Protect Chickens From Weasels

Although they may look cute, weasels pose a serious threat to chicken coops.

Weasels are one of the biggest threats to farmers who raise chickens. These small, feral rodents can sneak through small gaps in fences and carry away your chickens in the dead of night. Weasels can climb over fences, or even dig underneath them, to get to an area where they think they might find a meal. Securing your coop properly takes only a little bit of work, especially when compared to the amount of financial damage a group of weasels can inflict by killing your chickens.

Things You'll Need

• Lawnmower
• Hedge clippers
• Plywood planks
• Chicken wire

Instructions

1. Move your chicken coop to an area near to grazing animals. Weasels, though vicious, are small and naturally scared of much larger animals like horses or cows.

2. Clear the area around your chicken coop of any debris. Cut the grass around the coop regularly, as well as any weeds or bushes in the nearby area. Having fewer places to hide will discourage weasels from making a home near your coop.

3. Fence in your chickens with a high performance chicken wire. Make sure it sits at least three feet high, and you may even consider layering it for extra strength.

4. Dig a thin trench directly outside of the coop's fencing. Insert plywood planks that extend at least 2 feet beneath ground level and three inches above the ground to create a barrier that rodents will be unable to dig through.

5. Keep the coop clean. Put food in resealable containers with a heavy, tight-fitting lids and

   sweep up any food or waste on the floor.

References

• Poultry One: Protecting Your Chickens From Predators