To deter owls from killing chickens, secure the coop with sturdy fencing, use netting, and employ motion-activated lights or noise devices to scare them away.
Owls are efficient nighttime hunters that can decimate a chicken flock in days. While they’re protected by law, you can legally deter them with these effective strategies. This guide covers physical barriers, habitat modifications, and smart coop designs to keep your chickens safe.
1. Install Protective Netting Over Runs
Bird netting creates a physical barrier that prevents owl attacks while allowing chickens to roam freely. Use 1/2″ to 3/4″ mesh nylon netting stretched tightly over your run. Secure it to sturdy posts with zip ties or bungee cords every 12 inches.
Key benefits:
- Blocks aerial attacks from all angles
- Allows sunlight and rain through
- Lasts 5-7 years with proper installation
For larger areas, consider proper run sizing to make netting more manageable. The University of Kentucky Extension recommends at least 10 sq ft per chicken in covered runs.
2. Build a Fortified Chicken Coop
Construction Materials
Use 1/2″ hardware cloth instead of chicken wire – owls can rip through standard wire. Reinforce doors with deadbolt locks and install automatic closers to ensure chickens are secured at dusk.
Elevated Design
Raise coops at least 3 feet off ground with smooth metal poles (owls can’t grip them). Add a 24″ overhang around the roof to prevent diving attacks.
3. Implement Strict Curfews
Owls hunt most actively 30 minutes before sunset to 2 hours after sunrise. Train chickens to return to their coop before dusk using these methods:
- Establish consistent feeding times
- Use a call or bell when distributing treats
- Install automatic coop doors with light sensors
Learn more about training chickens to come when called for better predator protection.
4. Add Roosters to Your Flock
A good rooster provides multiple layers of protection:
| Benefit | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Alarm Calls | Distinct warning sounds when predators approach |
| Physical Defense | Will fight owls with spurs and wings |
| Herd Protection | Gathers hens in safe locations |
Note: Check local ordinances – some areas prohibit roosters. The National Audubon Society recommends 1 rooster per 10 hens for optimal protection.
5. Remove Owl Perching Spots
Owls scout from elevated positions before attacking. Eliminate these vantage points within 100 yards of your coop:
- Dead trees or snags
- Unused telephone poles
- Barn roofs and eaves
For structures you can’t remove, install bird deterrent spikes or slope covers to prevent perching.
6. Use Motion-Activated Deterrents
Modern devices provide 24/7 protection without harming owls:
Lights
Strobe lights triggered by motion scare owls away. Place them around coop perimeters facing outward.
Sound Emitters
Ultrasonic repellers or recorded distress calls disrupt hunting behavior. Change patterns weekly to prevent habituation.
7. Create Natural Camouflage
Help chickens blend into their environment:
- Choose feather colors matching local terrain
- Plant dense shrubs for quick cover
- Install low shelters throughout the run
According to Penn State Extension, barred rocks and australorps have superior camouflage in most environments compared to white leghorns.
8. Maintain Clean Surroundings
Reduce attractions that draw owls:
- Store feed in sealed containers
- Remove rodent habitats
- Clean up fallen fruit/nuts
- Dispose of chicken remains properly
9. Use Guard Animals
Livestock guardian dogs are highly effective against owls when properly trained. Smaller options include:
- Geese – Excellent alarm systems
- Donkeys – Natural owl deterrents
- Guinea fowl – Loud warning calls
10. Install Decoys Strategically
Realistic owl decoys can provide temporary relief when:
- Moved daily to maintain effectiveness
- Paired with reflective surfaces
- Placed in visible hunting perches
11. Apply Non-Toxic Repellents
Commercial bird repellent gels make surfaces uncomfortable for owls to land on. Apply to:
- Roof peaks
- Fence posts
- Other potential perches
12. Modify Nighttime Lighting
Low-pressure sodium vapor lights create an unappealing hunting environment. Install them:
- Near coop entrances
- Along fence lines
- Facing outward from protected areas
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology recommends amber or red lights which are less disruptive to chicken sleep cycles than white lights.