How to Keep Coyotes Away From Chickens: 7 Proven Methods

To keep coyotes away from chickens, secure the coop with strong fencing, use motion-activated lights, and consider guard animals like dogs.

Coyotes are smart, adaptable predators that can devastate a chicken flock in minutes. Protecting your birds requires a multi-layered approach combining physical barriers, deterrents, and smart husbandry practices. This guide covers everything you need to know.

Effective ways to deter coyotes from chickens

Why Coyotes Target Chickens

Coyotes view chickens as easy prey. A single coyote can kill multiple birds in one attack, often biting the throat or dragging birds away. They hunt day and night, especially at dawn and dusk.

Signs of coyote attacks include:

  • Throat injuries on dead birds
  • Missing chickens with no remains
  • Tracks similar to dogs but more oval-shaped
  • Digging under fences
Fortify chicken coop against coyotes threats

1. Fortify Your Chicken Coop

Secure Fencing

Install at least 6-foot tall fencing with:

  • 1/2″ hardware cloth buried 12″ underground
  • An outward-facing 12″ overhang at the top
  • Electric wire at 8″ and 16″ heights

Predator-Proof Doors

Use:

  • Heavy-duty sliding bolts
  • Double latches
  • Automatic door closers

For more on coop security, see our guide on introducing chickens to a new coop.

2. Use Guard Animals

Livestock Guardian Dogs

Effective breeds include:

Breed Size Temperament
Great Pyrenees Large Gentle with flock
Anatolian Shepherd Large Highly protective
Maremma Medium-Large Excellent with poultry

Donkeys

Gelded males or jennets will:

  • Bray loudly at intruders
  • Chase and kick coyotes
  • Require less training than dogs

3. Install Deterrents

Motion-Activated Devices

Effective options include:

  • Flood lights (500+ lumens)
  • Water sprinklers
  • Ultrasonic repellers

Natural Repellents

Try these around coop perimeter:

  • Wolf urine (available at hunting stores)
  • Human hair clippings
  • Strong-smelling plants like lavender

4. Modify Chicken Behavior

Train chickens to:

  • Return to coop at dusk (use treats)
  • Avoid roaming too far
  • Recognize danger signals

Learn more about keeping chickens in your yard.

5. Remove Attractants

Eliminate food sources:

  • Store feed in metal containers
  • Clean up spilled grain daily
  • Remove fallen fruit
  • Keep garbage secured

6. Nighttime Protection

Essential after-dark precautions:

  1. Close coop doors at dusk
  2. Use automatic door closers
  3. Install red predator lights (coyotes can’t see red well)
  4. Keep a radio playing near coop

7. Community Solutions

For persistent problems:

  • Coordinate with neighbors on deterrents
  • Contact local wildlife agencies
  • Consider professional trapping (check local laws)

According to USDA research, combining multiple methods provides the best protection.

When Attacks Happen

If coyotes breach your defenses:

  • Remove injured birds immediately
  • Reinforce weak points in coop
  • Consider temporary confinement
  • Add more deterrents

For more on protecting chickens when you’re away, see our guide on chicken care during vacations.

As noted by Penn State Extension, persistent coyote problems may require professional intervention in some areas.