Coyotes?

[divineangel94]

Just a quick question for my paranoid self. I live in glenmoore pa, my chickens are right next to our house, they have a fenced in run, a coop that is raised and fencing on the top. Are my chickens still safe from coyotes? I've never seen any around here, where do coyotes live?

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

Coyotes live almost everywhere in the United States. They usually don't inhabit the same areas as wolves, with the exception of Yellowstone National Park. They compete for the same prey. They usually live in wooded areas.

 

[chrissynemetz]

Is their coop fully enclosed? Can you post some pictures of your setup?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Coyotes are pretty common across the US, but I don't know if you have them in your area. However stray dogs can be just as big a problem, and would post a similar threat. I've had both wandering dogs and coyotes in my yard - had a coyote about 2 weeks ago and I heard the chickens calling out but it ran off before I got out there.

What kind of fencing do you have and how securely is it fastened? Photos would help.

 

[50-45-1]

i have had a coyote run thru my yard within 10 feet of the house, grab a chicken and keep going.
i free range.
depending on what Kind of fencing you have and how secure it is your chickens may be safe. i dont think confined chickens are most at risk from coyotes. weasel and raccoon would be more likely in my opinion.

 

[Phillyndilly]

I feel like the most important thing is having a coop that can be closed and locked all night.

From what I’ve read animal attacks usually happen in the very early morning hours when your babies should be locked away.
I also agree that I’ve heard coyotes are lazy and won’t jump a fence where raccoons and weasels def will.
Honestly this is all what I’ve heard from peopl. We have coyotes in our woods none come up close to our cleared areas but I feel like they do what they want and if they get hungry they won’t be shy..
But I think you should be fine as long as the area is fenced and covered but please lock them up at night.

 

[divineangel94]

This is the set up. We also have a kennel for my 4 dogs right in front of it.

 

[Phillyndilly]

View attachment 1985080
This is the set up. We also have a kennel for my 4 dogs right in front of it.

It’s just my opinion but there’s no way coyotes will want any part of that especially if your dogs are there. Even if it’s not covered I don’t think they would ever climb that but the other animals they would for sure it they wanted to. But the dogs will repel them at least somewhat.
I tried to zoom in to see the coop it looks like there’s a big gap at the top? I would put welded wire something could climb right in there. Every gap on the coop should be covered with welded wire -every gap even tiny. Not chicken wire that will do nothing. Just make sure the ladies are locked up as soon as it gets dark. We have an alarm we change with the changing seasons their bedtime is 4:30 now and they usually are all in or going in by the time we come out!
Nice set up good luck with them!

 

[PirateGirl]

This side looks good because the concrete will prevent digging, but coyotes are good diggers, if there is not an apron on the other side, I'd consider adding one.

 

[WallyBirdie]

Just a quick question for my paranoid self. I live in glenmoore pa, my chickens are right next to our house, they have a fenced in run, a coop that is raised and fencing on the top. Are my chickens still safe from coyotes? I've never seen any around here, where do coyotes live?

Cototes are abundant, particularly in the woods. If you have or live adjacent to a wooded area, you may have coyote. They do go after easy prey- include chicken's, cats, etc.
However, they usually avoid people unless they are starving. Meaning, if they have things to eat in their woods, they likely won't be much of a bother.
I sometime have coyotes and their pups in my back yard, but I've never had them break into my run/coop. And they are most active at night, so daytime free ranging is suitable.

Just keep an eye out and adjust accordingly.