Plastic Poultry Fencing

[Mike Z]

I have a small flock and during the day I will let them forage in an outside run. The only predators I have seen are large hawks. I do have coyotes, raccoons, foxes, etc. but I have never seen one near our run (likely because of the three dogs patrolling the yard). My run is only fenced in with plastic chicken fencing. It has contained our flock for several years. The other day several of my birds escaped and I found parts of the fence had been chewed through. I suspect that a predator chewed through the fence at night, possibly because they smelled the chickens. I keep wondering though, is it possible that the chickens themselves managed to tear through the fencing?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Unlikely, if the plastic is in good condition around the area of damage. If it's worn down or weakened from UV exposure, then possibly, but most chickens aren't really the types to bust through fencing.

 

[KyCoop]

Very doubtful it was the chickens. They don't "chew" they more peck and tear at things.
If your lucky it was only a squirl. maybe a rat. It's only a matter of time before a racoon rips through.