Find out what killed your chickens by identifying the most common chicken predators and how to protect them. well my friend doesn't have a verry big coop. To get rid of possums, eliminate food sources by keeping your garbage contained, feeding your pets inside, and picking up any fruit that drops from trees or bushes. ... What will keep possums away? can be accidentally ingested by chickens. "opossum") that gets into your coop or run can eat eggs and young chicks, but they have certainly been known to … Trim or clear away bushes close to your hen house. The best fencing wire is ½ inch or even ¼ inch gauge. dang possums!! Backyard Chicken Help - Do possums eat chickens? she only has a few chickens and a couple of bannies. Once, the possum brought her whole family and 3 … They can climb fences and walls and even dig underneath barriers to access your chickens. Dogs are a good deterrent as generally possums will avoid cats and dogs if at all possible. More then once their dog woke them up and they caught a glimpse of it dragging a chicken away. As with small children, keep your flock away from any area of your garden which you may have sprayed or treated. To get rid of possums, eliminate food sources by keeping your garbage contained, feeding your pets inside, and picking up any fruit that drops from trees or bushes. Even with the best security an attack can still happen. The most natural way of getting rid of possums is by having a dog, preferably a hunting breed. Possums have been known to … How to Get Rid Of Possums Naturally. Thread starter Flock Runner; ... year i had hedge hogs that got in the house. Weed killer and other commonly used garden chemicals (Insect Baits/Traps etc.) A: Yes--A possum (a.k.a. The best way to repel possums would be to use a combination of various methods outlined in this guide, such as natural essential oils, traps, sprinklers, and other natural ways to get rid of possums. Use fine mesh fencing wire where possible. Possums will attack chickens, dogs, and cats for competition over food. my friend doesn't have as mant other pets. Mothballs, designed to keep moths from chewing fabric that has been stored away, are also unappealing to possums. Possums will try to pry loose wire away to create an entrance, so secure it well. Chicken wire is designed to keep your chickens in, not to keep predators out. Friend of ours had possums frequently coming in to their coop and killing chickens. they were actually really cut and almost friendly but the cats and dogs keep other animals away. You might have to be on your toes and be on the watch many hours of the day but the result is one to root for: you’ll have fit and happy chickens, away from the … Additionally, keep your grass mowed and the area around your house free of piles of wood, grass clippings, or other debris, which can provide cover for possums. This will help to protect your chickens from not only minks but other predators by eliminating their hiding or perching spots. how do i keep em out! Tags that leave a dog leaves in the yard, on the house and its surroundings will deter not only possums, but also other animals. They can also open latches and reach their paws through the wire mesh fencing that is commonly used to keep chicken coops secure from other types of predators. Additionally, keep your grass mowed and the area around your house free of piles of wood, grass clippings, or other debris, which can provide cover for possums. As a new chicken owner, you should know how to house them while keeping them healthy, safe, and sound from predators and pests. Although an attack on your flock is a terrible thing, try to keep it in perspective. personally i've never had any pest problems except one year i had hedge hogs that got in the house. Worried about losing your chickens? Keep in mind if the poisoned possum, rat or mouse dies where your chickens hang out, it is quite possible that your chickens may pick at them and even eat parts of them which could accidently poison your chickens. Also keep the chemical bottles well away from your girls. We saw a possum try to kill our chicken, but scared it away just in time. Raccoons are intelligent predators. North American minks eat only meat but are attracted by the smell of dead animals. If you are away from the coop often, consider an automatic pop/coop door. If you set out poisons be sure to put it away before you let your chickens out. all it really is is a wind proof shelter with wire fencing extending a bit down the side and a metal roof.