Mia Patel
Protecting chickens from predators is a significant challenge for chicken keepers, especially in high-predator areas. Predators can range from small animals like minks and rats to larger ones like wolves and bears. Chicken tractors, coops, and runs are vulnerable to digging predators, and it is essential to take preventive measures to ensure the safety of the chickens. Some common predators that can dig under chicken tractors include foxes, coyotes, and minks. This paragraph introduces the topic of 'how to keep predators from digging under chicken tractors' and provides context on the types of predators that pose a threat to chicken enclosures.
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What You'll Learn
Bury hardware cloth or chicken wire around the chicken tractor
Burying hardware cloth or chicken wire around the chicken tractor is an effective way to prevent predators from digging under and gaining access.
Hardware cloth is the preferred option, as it is tougher than chicken wire and will stand up to any common backyard chicken predator. Chicken wire is penetrable by predators, and the holes are large enough for them to reach through. When securing hardware cloth, use screws and washers, as strong critters like raccoons can push and pull against the cloth if it is secured with staples. Bury the hardware cloth at least 12 inches deep, as some predators can dig under this depth.
Chicken wire can also be used, but it is less secure. If using chicken wire, ensure it is buried at least 12 inches deep, and consider stapling it to the ground for added security.
Another option is to create a 'skirt' or 'apron' around the outside of the chicken tractor, using either hardware cloth or chicken wire. This involves digging a trench around the perimeter of the tractor, burying the cloth or wire, and then allowing it to extend outwards, preventing predators from digging under. This method can add length and width to the tractor, so ensure there is enough space.
In addition to burying hardware cloth or chicken wire, other measures can be taken to protect chickens from predators. These include using a portable electric fence, employing livestock guardian dogs, and ensuring that chickens are locked in a secure coop at night, as this is when they are most vulnerable.
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Install a wire screen on the bottom of the tractor
Installing a wire screen on the bottom of the chicken tractor is a good way to prevent predators from digging their way in. Chicken wire is penetrable by predators, so a tougher alternative like hardware cloth is recommended.
To install a wire screen, you can follow these steps:
- Measure the bottom of your chicken tractor to determine the size of the wire screen you will need.
- Purchase or cut a piece of hardware cloth to fit the measurements. Ensure the mesh size is small enough to prevent predators from reaching through—nothing larger than 1/2" x 1/2" is considered predator-proof.
- Install the hardware cloth securely to the bottom of the tractor. Use screws and washers to fasten the hardware cloth to the structure, ensuring it is tightly attached. Avoid using staples, as they can be pulled out by strong predators like raccoons.
- For added protection, consider burying the edges of the hardware cloth around the perimeter of the tractor. Dig a trench approximately 12" deep and bury the cloth, preventing predators from digging under it.
When installing a wire screen, it is essential to consider the safety and well-being of your chickens. Ensure that the wire is not accessible to the chickens, as they may injure their feet if they puncture them while scratching. One solution is to create a separate, smaller pen with hardware cloth inside the tractor for younger chickens, moving them to the larger pen once they are bigger.
Additionally, if you need to move your tractor, consider building a separate floor of the same size that you can place in a new location and then lay the tractor on top. This way, you can avoid harming the chickens while still providing protection from predators.
By installing a wire screen on the bottom of your chicken tractor and taking the necessary precautions, you can effectively deter predators from digging their way in and keep your chickens safe.
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Use a portable electric fence to deter predators from approaching
Electric fences are an effective way to keep predators from approaching and digging under chicken tractors. They are easy to install, adjust, relocate, and remove, and they only take about 10 minutes to set up a roll. The electrifiable prefabricated portable fences are lightweight, with most rolls weighing less than 20 lbs. They are easy to install and move, and they can be set up by one person, although handling tall and long rolls is easier with two people.
The electric fence works by delivering a high-voltage shock from a brief electric pulse when touched, which deters predators from approaching. The horizontal strands of the fence are energized by a fence energizer, except for the bottom strand that rests on the grass. This bottom strand is important to prevent predators from digging under the fence. The electric pulse is strong enough to deter ground-based predators such as dogs, coyotes, raccoons, skunks, foxes, opossums, and even bears.
To enhance the effectiveness of the electric fence, it is recommended to use a pulse-style 0.6 joule unit or larger for up to 3 rolls of electric netting. This is because the fence, due to its low-to-the-ground nature, is prone to high weed contact, and lower output units may not provide sufficient power. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the fence is visible to humans and animals by using contrasting colors, such as black and white, to increase visibility and prevent accidental contact.
It is also worth noting that while electric fences are effective at deterring ground-based predators, they may not be sufficient for aerial predators like hawks, eagles, and owls. To protect against these predators, it is recommended to set up narrow runs to reduce their ability to swoop down on the chickens.
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Bury the chicken tractor's perimeter with a trench
Burying the chicken tractor's perimeter with a trench is an effective way to deter digging predators. This method involves digging a trench around the chicken tractor and burying hardware cloth or wire mesh to create an underground barrier. Here are some detailed steps and considerations for implementing this technique:
Firstly, it is important to understand the behaviour of digging predators. Animals will typically try to dig right at the base of a wall, and they are unlikely to back up and dig a longer tunnel to gain access. Therefore, creating a trench with an adequate width is crucial. Most recommendations suggest a width of at least 12 inches for the trench to prevent predators from digging under. Some sources recommend extending the skirt or apron, which is the part of the wire mesh that extends outward from the base of the tractor, to a width of 18 inches to effectively deter predators.
When constructing the trench, it is essential to use hardware cloth instead of chicken wire. Hardware cloth is made of galvanised steel or stainless steel and is much stronger and more durable than chicken wire. It can withstand the force exerted by digging predators and prevent them from tearing through it. Ensure that the hardware cloth has small enough openings to prevent predators from reaching through or squeezing into the tractor. The openings should not exceed 1/2-inch by 1/2-inch to be considered predator-proof, as some predators, such as weasels, can easily fit through larger spaces.
When installing the hardware cloth, use screws and washers to secure it firmly to the structure. Avoid using staples, as strong predators like raccoons can pull and push the hardware cloth secured with staples, compromising its effectiveness. Bury the hardware cloth within the trench, ensuring it is fully covered to create a reliable underground barrier.
Additionally, combining the trench method with other predator deterrents can further enhance the protection of your chicken tractor. For example, installing a portable electric fence around the perimeter can prevent predators from getting close enough to start digging. Another option is to use livestock guardian dogs (LGDs), which can effectively ward off various predators and protect your chickens.
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Use a livestock guardian dog to ward off predators
Livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) are an effective way to ward off predators from chicken tractors. They are dogs bred specifically for the purpose of protecting livestock from predators. Their ability to guard their herd is primarily instinctual, as they are bonded to the herd from a young age. LGDs blend in with the flock, staying with them full-time as a member and watching for intruders. The presence of an LGD is often enough to deter some predators, and they will confront others by barking, vocal intimidation, and displaying aggressive behaviour. If necessary, the dog may attack or fight with a predator.
LGDs are particularly useful for protecting small farm animals, such as chickens, that are unable to defend themselves against predators. They are commonly used to protect sheep and goats, and their use has been shown to be effective in guarding against predators such as cheetahs and wolves. In one example, the introduction of European LGDs to US sheep farms reduced the number of sheep lost to wolves by about a million annually.
When choosing an LGD, it is important to consider your specific needs and the farm predators you are protecting against. Different breeds of LGDs are suited to different situations, and some dogs work better in pairs. For example, Pyrenean mastiffs tend to lie close to livestock, while Maremmas or Kangals control the perimeter of the pasture. The Anatolian Shepherd is another breed that is highly protective, intelligent, and adaptable, though they require a strong leader as an owner.
In addition to their protective capabilities, LGDs can also help relieve stress in the herd. Less-stressed animals tend to gain more weight, thereby increasing the overall health and bottom line of your livestock.
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Frequently asked questions
To prevent predators from digging under your chicken tractor, you can use a chicken wire or hardware cloth 'apron' around the outside of the pen, burying it at least 12 inches into the ground.
A chicken wire 'apron' is a length of chicken wire that extends about 12-24 inches from the base of the tractor. This can be buried or staked to the ground to prevent predators from digging under the tractor.
Hardware cloth is a tougher alternative to chicken wire. It is made from galvanised steel and has 1/2-inch squares, which are too small for predators to fit through.
Other methods to prevent predators from digging under your chicken tractor include using a portable electric fence, burying wire underneath the tractor, or using a livestock guardian dog.
