Keeping Wild Birds Out of Chicken Coop

Sometimes wild birds can disturb, harm or eat your chicken’s feed. So keeping wild birds out of chicken coop is very important. Generally scratch grains, chicken feed, fresh water etc. are attractive enticements to the wild and neighboring birds.

Because in the wild, those birds always search for foods and if they find any chances they will definitely use the opportunity. But you have to be careful about those birds because this types of wild and neighboring birds can bring avian diseases into your farm and may fight with your chickens.

Also, there are many wild birds which are very dangerous and can take your chicks as a tasty meal. Some birds may steal eggs from your coop.

So, it is very important to learn how to keep wild birds out of chicken coop and secure your flock from them. Here we are describing the common ways of keeping wild birds out of chicken coop.

Why Keeping Wild Birds Out of Chicken Coop?

Keeping a backyard flock of chickens brings numerous benefits, from fresh eggs to a sustainable food source. However, one challenge that poultry owners often face is the presence of wild birds in the chicken coop.

Wild birds can pose several problems, including the spread of diseases, stealing feed, and causing stress to the chickens. Now, we are going to explore various strategies and preventive measures to keep wild birds out of your chicken coop, ensuring the health and well-being of your feathered friends.

Understand the Risks Associated with Wild Birds

Wild birds, such as sparrows, starlings, and pigeons, can introduce diseases to your flock, including avian influenza, salmonella, and respiratory infections. Additionally, their presence can lead to increased stress among the chickens, resulting in decreased egg production and overall poor health.

Identify the Problem

Identify the main problems that the wild birds are causing before making better protection for your chickens. Try to observe the types of the wild birds. Are they tiny or large sized? Observe the activities of both of your chickens and wild birds before constructing a bird-proof chicken coop.

You have to handle birds of prey, they are very dangerous and love to eat chickens. Doves or sparrows are another types of wild birds who enjoy eating your chicken’s feed. For keeping all types of wild birds out of your chicken coop take suitable species-tailored approach.

Feeding Birds

Chicken’s feed is very attractive for some wild birds. As a result, the feed will attract various types of wild birds to the coop. Never provide extra feeds than your chicken’s need and make sure not to leave large amounts of excess feed in the coop.

You can stop wild birds from coming into the coop for a meal by feeding smaller amounts of leftovers or vegetables. You can also feed your chickens in a specially designed feeder that requires them to actually operate it to access the feed.

If you want, you can feed the wild birds by keeping their feeders away from your chicken coop. They will enjoy the food without having to enter the coop. Observe your chicken coops for signs of building nest by the wild birds.

If the wild birds make any nest then take it apart and destroy it. Doing this will discourage nesting behavior and finally your chickens will be safe.

Birds of Prey

Birds of prey are very dangerous and generally they want to eat your cute chicks or chickens. Common and dangerous birds of prey for chickens are falcons and hawks. Crows are also one type of birds of prey.

Personally I have seen them eating chicks but they can’t harm the adults. Completely block the access of birds of prey for stopping their entrance inside the chicken coop.

You can use wood to block openings of your coops if there any. And you must have to reinforce the wire sides of the coop and ensure it is 100 percent enclosed.

Always lock the main door except feeding, watering, caring or egg collecting time. Allowing your chickens the freedom to enter and exit the coop as they desire is important. But it is more important to keep them safe.

Coop Construction

Make your chicken coop in such a way that it can prevent all types of wild birds. For stopping small birds coming inside your coops, first watch their movements very carefully and then add additional roofing or screens to the coop as needed.

A solidly constructed chicken coop can help you keeping all types of wild birds outside the coop. You can use drape netting over the coop if small birds try enter the coop through the holes in the wire fencing or windows.

And cover all entry points with netting and fasten it down to secure it. Setup such a covering or door that your chickens can push and open easily but smaller birds can’t do it and find difficult to move. Make this system only if your chickens have access to the outdoors through a door.

Create a Secure and Predator-Proof Chicken Coop

Building a secure and predator-proof chicken coop is the first line of defense against wild birds. Ensure that your coop is made of sturdy materials, with no gaps or holes that birds can enter through.

Install secure latches on doors and windows to prevent unwanted entry. Consider using hardware cloth instead of chicken wire, as it provides better protection against smaller birds.

Install an Appropriate Roof

Choose a roof for your chicken coop that discourages birds from perching. A slanted or sloping roof design prevents birds from finding comfortable perching spots and helps discourage their presence. Alternatively, you can use bird spikes or netting on the roof to make it inaccessible to wild birds.

Eliminate Food Sources

Wild birds are attracted to the feed and water sources in your chicken coop. To discourage their presence, ensure that all feed is stored securely in rodent-proof containers.

Avoid overfilling feeders and clean up any spilled feed promptly. Consider using automatic feeders that dispense food at specific times to minimize the exposure of feed to wild birds.

Restrict Access to Water

Wild birds need water sources, and they may be drawn to your chicken’s water supply. To prevent this, use poultry-specific waterers that are difficult for birds to access.

Hanging waterers or nipple waterers are effective options that minimize the risk of contamination and discourage wild birds from gathering.

Implement Scare Tactics

Using scare tactics can help deter wild birds from entering your chicken coop. Hang reflective objects, such as old CDs or aluminum foil strips, around the coop to create flashes of light that birds find unsettling. Motion-activated devices, such as owl decoys or scarecrows, can also be effective in keeping wild birds away.

Utilize Netting and Wire Mesh

Covering your chicken coop with bird netting or wire mesh can be an effective way to prevent wild birds from entering. Ensure that the netting or mesh is securely attached to the coop and extends to the ground to prevent birds from squeezing through gaps. This method not only keeps birds out but also protects your flock from potential predators.

Maintain a Clean Environment

Regularly clean your chicken coop to discourage wild birds from being attracted to the area. Remove any spilled feed, droppings, or other debris that could serve as a food source for wild birds.

Additionally, keep the surrounding area tidy by trimming overgrown vegetation and removing standing water, which can attract birds.

Hope this guide has helped you. Consider sharing it with your friends and family members if you find it helpful. Good luck and may God bless you!