Batten Down the Coop

As the sun dips lower on the horizon and the crisp bite of autumn settles in, a quiet shift happens around the chicken yard. The days get shorter, the nights colder — and out beyond the fence line, hungry eyes start watching.

Predators that spent the summer content on easy meals in the wild, now grow desperate as food becomes scarce. This is the season when your coop’s defenses will be tested the hardest.

Raccoons, foxes and even the occasional bear (location dependent) won’t hesitate to exploit the smallest weakness in your setup. The good news? With a little forethought and a seasonal check-up, your flock can stay safe and snug all winter long.

Two Fronts: Coop vs. Run

When it comes to predator-proofing, there are two battlegrounds: the chicken run, where your birds spend their days scratching and sunbathing, and the coop, their nighttime fortress.

Daytime predators — hawks, dogs and the occasional crafty raccoon — are a concern in the run. But at night, when the real danger emerges, the coop must be impenetrable. Think of it as building your own backyard stronghold.

Securing the Run

The run doesn’t just need a fence; it needs a barrier that defends from every angle — above, below and at ground level.

Stop the Diggers

Coyotes, foxes and even neighborhood dogs love to dig. The best defense? Extend your fencing underground. If you’re building a 6-foot-tall fence, buy 7 feet of material so you can bury or “flare” out the bottom foot. A flared-out skirt, covered with bricks, not only deters diggers but also keeps weeds from creeping in — making electric fencing easier to maintain.

Reinforce Against the Bruisers

Raccoons are notorious for pulling apart weak fence seams, and larger predators like bears can topple flimsy setups. Strengthen vulnerable spots — especially corners — by doubling up fencing and securing seams with metal hog rings (skip the plastic zip ties). For an added layer of defense, run two electric wires: one low (6 inches) and one high (3 feet).

Guard Against Aerial Attacks

Hawks and owls can swoop in faster than you think. A simple net draped over the run and secured with hog rings or zip ties is usually enough to keep them at bay. Since these predators rely on speed rather than strength, heavy-duty fencing isn’t required but flexible netting on top is critical.

Fortifying the Coop

When dusk falls, your coop needs to transform into a fortress. Every entrance, every crack matters.

Automatic Doors for Peace of Mind

Consider installing an automatic coop door that opens at dawn and closes at dusk. Many models work on timers or light sensors — just remember to adjust timers as fall days shorten.

Check Every Entry Point

Inspect both your chicken coop door and the main access door. Look for gnaw marks, gaps or signs of pressure where a determined predator might push through. Seal or reinforce weak spots immediately.

Windows and Vents

Fresh air is vital for healthy chickens, but ventilation openings can be prime entry points for predators. Cover them with hardware cloth (1/4 to 1/2 inch) rather than flimsy chicken wire — its heavier gauge prevents chewing or clawing through.

Don’t Forget the Floor

Rotting boards or gaps in the flooring can invite trouble. Ideally, a concrete floor provides the best defense, but if that’s not possible, elevate the coop off the ground. This discourages rodents and predators from tunneling in.

Final Check

A quick fall inspection and some strategic reinforcements can mean the difference between a peaceful winter and a midnight predator raid. Walk your perimeter, test every latch and imagine how a determined fox might try to get in. Fix weak spots now, before the first snow flies.

Your reward? A secure coop, a calm mind and a happy, healthy flock — even in the dead of winter.