Are armadillos a threat to my birds?

[elizabethlongwood]

Early this morning my husband saw two large armadillos in our backyard. They weren't by the coop, but it made us wonder if they would disturb/attack our pullets or snatch their eggs (not that we have any yet). What is your experience with armadillos?

 

[bywaterdog]

Armadillos are insect eaters, the only problem is that they dig holes everywhere and can tear up a lawn looking for grubs.

Are you sure that these are not chupacabras in disguise ?

 

[Lbrad7]

Nope....they will dig up your yard and garden looking for insects, but they won't eat your chickens.

 

[Tiniest Animal]

It probably was an armadillo. They shouldn't do anything to hurt your chickens but just dig every were making your yard look like some one is shooting it with a shotgun. (1-3 inch holes everywhere) We have alot in Oklahoma. I dont think it is nothing to worry about unless they are trying to dig around or under your coop. Im not sure if they carry and viruses or not that might harm your flock.

 

[Mark & Nique]

Agree -- armadillos can quickly make your yard a total mess. (I had 1 in the yard once, and it was enough!) But they won't bother any animals.

Here's a link I hope provides helpful info:

http://www.aaanimalcontrol.com/armadillos.htm

 

[zazouse]

They won't hurt your chickens but i know for a fact they will eat eggs.

 

[SlyReb]

I see that armadillos carry leprosy, salmonella, and tapeworms. My main concern is the last two. If the armadillo is drinking out of containers the chickens also drink out of, or the chickens are eating the feces of the armadillo, Salmonella and tapeworms could conceivably be passed. Does anyone have any information or experience on this?