This post may contain affiliate links.
As a homesteader, there is nothing more heartbreaking than losing some of your livestock to predators. When an animal is injured or, even worse, killed by a wild animal, the financial losses can be hard to bear. In addition, we often become very emotionally attached to our livestock, and these incidents can be heartbreaking.
We were in this position three years ago, when a fox broke into our chicken run and killed our entire flock. Every single bird was dead, and years of hard work, expense, and careful breeding strategies went down the drain. Rebuilding our flock was a costly and lengthy process, but we did learn a lot about effective predator deterrents in the meantime.
It’s a rare homesteader that has never lost a bird or animal to a predator, but there are steps we can take to keep our livestock safe from harm. Predators like coyotes, foxes, raccoons, hawks, and even stray dogs pose a constant threat, and while it’s impossible to eliminate every risk, combining some of the strategies below can significantly reduce losses.
1. Predator-Proof Fencing
The best fencing depends on the type of predators in your area. Hardware cloth with tiny openings can block raccoons and weasels, while woven wire fencing at least 6 feet high will deter climbing predators like coyotes. Make sure to bury the fence at least 12 inches underground to prevent digging predators like foxes from getting in.
2. Secure Shelters
Good fencing will keep your livestock secure during the day, but many livestock attacks occur at night and secure nighttime shelters are essential for protecting livestock from nocturnal predators.
Shelters should be made of strong materials like thick wood or metal, with doors and windows that lock securely. Cover ventilation openings with hardware cloth to keep smaller predators at bay.
3. Guardian Animals
Guardian animals have long been used to protect livestock. Livestock guardian dogs (LDGs) are the obvious choice, but donkeys and llamas are also naturally territorial and will aggressively confront potential threats. Believe me, you don’t want to mess with an angry donkey!
4. Elevated Chicken Coops and Animal Pens
Smaller mammals and poultry can be kept in elevated coops and pens, keeping them safe from foxes, raccoons, and snakes. Ensure any elevated structures are raised by 18 to 24 inches and enclose the underside to prevent it from becoming a hiding spot for predators.
5. Electric Fencing
Electric fencing delivers a harmless but effective shock that deters predators and is especially useful when combined with other fencing types for added security. Make sure to position the wires at various heights to stop both climbing and digging predators.
6. Motion-Activated Lights
Nocturnal predators rely on the cover of darkness to hunt successfully, and many will beat a hasty retreat when a motion-activated light springs into life. These cost-effective lights are easy to install in various locations, particularly if using energy-efficient solar-powered lights.
7. Predator Deterrent Scents
Products that mimic predator urine can be placed around the perimeter of your livestock area to create a natural boundary. Widely available predator deterrent scents include coyote or wolf urine, and some homesteaders swear by scattering human hair around their livestock boundaries.
8. Monitoring Cameras
While monitoring cameras might not act as a deterrent, they can help you identify potential threats and take appropriate action. Many predators will scope out hunting sites in advance, and catching them on camera gives you a chance to reinforce your defenses.
9. Overhead Netting
Aerial predators like hawks and owls are a big threat to poultry and small animals. Covering the top of runs with netting is a highly effective deterrent, or larger runs can be protected with overhead wires and fladry. This method also helps keep wild birds out, reducing the risk of disease transmission.
10. Animal Buddy System
Livestock are safer when kept in groups, particularly if you have more than one species of animal. Larger animals like cows or horses act as natural protectors for smaller livestock such as sheep and goats, as a cohesive group makes it harder for predators to single out their preferred prey.
11. Radio
Create the illusion of human presence by leaving a radio playing near livestock enclosures. Predators will eventually become accustomed to repeated sounds, so make sure to change the station regularly!
12. Scarecrows
Scarecrows aren’t just for birds – they can deter a variety of wary predators if used creatively. Make your scarecrow as lifelike as possible and change its position and appearance periodically to keep predators guessing. This tactic, particularly when coupled with a motion-activated alarm, can be surprisingly effective.
13. Roosters
Our rooster has saved his hens from a sticky situation on more than one occasion! A good rooster will alert the flock to danger, giving them time to run for cover from potential threats. Roosters can be notoriously fierce and will even confront a predator in an attempt to defend their flock.
Will A Hen Fight A Rooster? Why Do Chickens Fight?
14. Keep Fencing Clear
Tall grass, brush, or debris near fencing provides cover for predators, allowing them to approach unnoticed. Make sure to regularly mow and trim around fence lines to improve visibility and make it easier to spot signs of digging or damage.
15. Savvy Breed Selection
Some livestock breeds are naturally more alert, faster, or even aggressive toward potential threats – these animals might not be the easiest to handle, but they have the edge when it comes to evading predators.
16. Create Boltholes
Boltholes provide a safe space for vulnerable livestock, like poultry or young animals, to escape and avoid injury. Sturdy wooden boxes, pallets raised off the ground, or even dense thickets within a pasture can all be used to create small, secure hiding spots where smaller livestock can quickly retreat if a predator appears.
17. Fladry
Fladry – where trips of fabric or flagging tape are hung along perimeter fences – is a quick and easy way to deter wolves and coyotes. Homesteaders have traditionally used this method during high-risk periods such as lambing and calving season.
18. Motion-Activated Alarms
Motion-activated alarms emit loud sounds when triggered, mimicking human presence and scaring off predators before they get too close. These alarms work well when placed near coops, barns, or feeding areas, but make sure to test them regularly to ensure they are functioning correctly.
19 Things You Should Know Before Getting Chickens
Before you jump into the world of chicken-keeping, there are a few essential things to know. Here’s our comprehensive guide of 19 essential tips to help you become a confident and successful chicken owner!
19 Things You Should Know Before Getting Chickens
17 Plants That Will Keep Squirrels From Eating Your Garden
To help you safeguard your garden, we’ve handpicked 17 plants Squirrels tend to avoid due to their taste, smell, or texture.
