Best Way to Protect Chickens from Predators in Your Backyard

Learn the best way to protect chickens from predators with practical coop, run, and fencing tips that actually work for backyard flocks.

When we hear the word predator, most of us picture something massive—mountain lions, bears, maybe a velociraptor or two. So it’s easy to underestimate the threats lurking in our own backyards. But when it comes to keeping chickens, predators are a very real (and very sneaky) problem.

Whether you’re raising chickens in a rural setting or a quiet suburb, there’s always something willing to dig, squeeze, fly, or climb its way into your coop. Raccoons, foxes, hawks, snakes—even your neighbor’s curious dog—could pose a danger to your flock.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the best ways to protect your chickens from predators, including how to secure the coop, build a better run, and reinforce your perimeter without going full Fort Knox.

Common Backyard Chicken Predators

Depending on where you live, your chickens might be at risk from:

• Raccoons
• Foxes
• Coyotes
• Weasels
• Opossums
• Skunks
• Hawks and owls
• Snakes
• Domestic dogs or cats
• …and unfortunately, sometimes humans

Each predator uses a different method to get in—digging, squeezing through gaps, unlatching doors, or snatching from above. Your best defense? A layered setup that protects your coop, your run, and your perimeter.

Step One: Coop Security

Your chickens’ nighttime shelter is the most important place to start. Here’s how to make sure it’s buttoned up tight.

Train Chickens to Roost in the Coop

Get your birds used to sleeping inside the coop as early as possible. Chickens naturally return to the same place to roost, so start this habit from day one if you can. If you’re retraining older birds, herd them in before dark for a few days until they catch on.

Don’t skip this step: Close and lock the coop as soon as your flock has gone to roost—even dusk is risky with active nighttime hunters like raccoons and opossums.

Raise the Coop

Raising the coop 12–24 inches off the ground keeps it cooler and helps prevent snakes, skunks, and rodents from nesting underneath. It also discourages ground-level access to eggs, chicks, and pullets.

Cover Every Opening

Any hole bigger than ¼ inch is an open invitation. Cover vents and windows with fine hardware cloth (not chicken wire), and check regularly for new gaps from shifting wood or chewing critters. I always use ¼-inch hardware cloth for windows and vents—it’s strong enough to keep raccoons and weasels out, unlike chicken wire.

Choose Predator-Proof Locks

Raccoons are clever. If your lock is easy for you, it might be easy for them too. For extra security, try a spring-loaded barrel bolt or padlock-style latch—anything a raccoon can’t undo with its creepy little hands. For the most security, add a padlock—especially if you’ve ever had issues with two-legged predators (aka people).

If you’re just starting with backyard chickens, make sure you’re not missing the essentials—this guide covers basic care tips for laying hens, including housing, feeding, and keeping them safe.

Step Two: Reinforce the Run

Even the best coop setup won’t protect your birds if they’re spending their days in a flimsy run.

Use Strong Fencing

Skip the chicken wire. It keeps chickens in, but does not keep predators out. Hawks can reach through, raccoons can tear it open, and dogs can chew through it. If you’re building a new run, go with heavy-duty welded wire like this—it’s a much better investment than anything labeled “chicken wire.” Or if you want flexibility, electric poultry netting is a great moveable option that helps keep both birds in and predators out.

Tip: Make sure any mesh has openings no larger than ½ inch for true predator protection.

Add a Top to the Run

Birds of prey are a real threat—especially to smaller chickens or pullets. Use wire mesh, netting, or even a tarp to cover the run and prevent aerial attacks.

If your birds keep flying the coop (literally), here’s how to clip your chickens’ wings properly to keep them contained—and away from danger.

Step Three: Guard the Perimeter

Predators like foxes, coyotes, and even dogs will dig under fencing if given the chance. Here’s how to stop them before they start.

Bury Wire Around the Perimeter

Create a predator apron by burying hardware cloth or welded wire at least 12 inches deep or laying it outward in an “L” shape around the run’s edge. This blocks digging predators and helps stabilize the ground near your fencing.

Use Visual and Scent Deterrents

While not a substitute for secure fencing, these extras can add another layer of protection:

• Solar predator lights (like Nite Eyes) to mimic glowing eyes at nigh (I’ve had good luck with solar predator lights like these—they mimic glowing eyes and can keep skittish predators from getting too close at night.)
• Predator urine sprays near the perimeter
• Motion-activated lights or sprinklers
• Decoy animals like fake owls or scarecrows

Heads up: These work best when rotated or combined. Don’t rely on them alone—make sure your coop and run are still locked up tight.

If you live in a more rural area or share space with woods and fields, check out this deeper dive into common predator threats in rural or wooded areas and how to defend all your animals—not just chickens.

A Note About Chicken Wire

I can’t say this loud enough: Chicken wire is not predator-proof.
It’s made to keep chickens in—not to keep predators out. Raccoons can reach through it, hawks can dive in through gaps, and determined animals can chew or tear through the thin metal.

Tip: Save chicken wire for less critical uses like enclosing compost piles—not your flock’s safety.

What About Free-Ranging?

Free-ranging chickens will always be more vulnerable to predators. If you choose to let them out, try these precautions:

• Only free-range during the day when you’re home
• Use a portable electric fence or poultry netting
• Provide shelter and hiding spots like shrubs or structures
• Keep a rooster—they’ll often sound the alarm (though they’re not foolproof)

Pro tip: Supervised free-ranging offers the best of both worlds—freedom to forage with less risk of losing birds.

Did you know some homesteaders keep guinea fowl to help protect chickens? These noisy birds might be the extra alarm system you didn’t know you needed—here’s how guinea fowl can help deter predators.

Frequently Asked Questions on Predator-Proofing Your Chickens

Still wondering how to protect your chickens from predators? These are the most common questions I get from readers:

Want to remember these tips? Save this post to your chicken care board to come back to before your next predator-proofing project.

You’ve put time, care, and likely a fair bit of money into your backyard chickens. Don’t let one sneaky raccoon undo all that in a single night. The best way to protect chickens from predators is with layered, commonsense protection: a secure coop, a reinforced run, and a strong perimeter.

You don’t need to build a fortress—but you do need to think like a predator. What would you try to exploit if you were desperate and hungry?

How have you protected your chickens? Share your tips, tools, or close calls in the comments—your experience might just save someone else’s flock.