Fox-Proofing a Chicken Coop – A Complete Guide
Foxes are one of the biggest threats to backyard chickens in the UK. Whether you live in a rural area or a town, foxes are notoriously clever and determined predators that can attack at any time. They are strong enough to break through weak structures, dig under fences, and even open simple latches. Taking the time to protect against foxes can ensure both you and your flock sleep better at night.
A secure coop and run are essential to keeping your flock safe. If foxes manage to break in once, they will likely return. This guide will walk you through the best ways to fox proof your chicken coop and run to protect your birds from harm.
Why Fox-Proofing Matters
Foxes are opportunistic hunters, always looking for an easy meal. Unlike some predators that strike randomly, foxes repeatedly target a coop if they know food is inside. They've learned these traits through generations.
Foxes are most active at night, but daytime attacks are becoming more common, especially in urban areas where foxes have adapted to humans. They do not just kill for food. Often, they will attack multiple chickens at once and leave the remains behind, making proper coop security a must for all chicken keepers.
If you have seen foxes in your area or heard reports of attacks nearby, do not wait until it is too late. Strengthening your chicken coop now will save you the heartbreak of losing your flock.
Securing the Chicken Coop
Use Sturdy Materials
A weak coop is an easy target. Use solid, treated wood or reinforced plastic instead of thin plywood. Foxes can chew through flimsy materials, so avoid anything lightweight.
Install Strong Doors and Latches
Foxes are surprisingly skilled at opening weak latches. Use padlocks, carabiner clips, or two step latches that require lifting and twisting to open. Standard slide bolts are not enough. Foxes can push them open with their noses.
Make sure all ventilation holes and windows are covered with galvanised wire mesh, not chicken wire. Chicken wire is great for keeping chickens in, but it will not keep foxes out.
Elevate the Coop
Raising the coop twelve to eighteen inches off the ground helps deter foxes from digging underneath. It also improves drainage, reducing damp conditions inside the coop. This is especially useful as winter approaches. If you are preparing for colder months, our guide on preparing a chicken coop for winter weather has some tips on keeping your coop warm and dry.
Reinforcing the Chicken Run
Choose Fox Proof Fencing
Many chicken keepers make the biggest mistake of using standard chicken wire for the run, thinking that it'll protect against fox attacks. They are often not suitable. Instead, use welded wire mesh or galvanised hardware cloth with holes no larger than one inch. Standard 19g is fine, but the stronger the wire, the better.
Bury the Wire to Stop Digging
Foxes are excellent diggers. To prevent them from tunnelling under, bury your fencing at least six to twelve inches deep or create an L-shaped wire skirt around the base of the run. The outward-facing wire prevents foxes from getting close enough to dig under.
Cover the Top
Foxes can climb and jump surprisingly high. Some can scale fences over six feet tall. A fully enclosed run with a solid roof or wire mesh top stops them from climbing in.
Check for Weak Points Regularly
Walk around your run at least once a week to check for gaps, damage, or signs of digging. Reinforce any weak areas immediately before a fox takes advantage of them.
Additional Fox Deterrents
Motion Activated Lights and Alarms
Foxes do not like sudden lights or noises. Installing motion sensor security lights or alarms around your coop can help scare them off.
Scent-Based Deterrents
Foxes have a strong sense of smell, and certain scents can keep them away. Try sprinkling garlic powder, chilli flakes, or human hair (honestly, it works) around the perimeter of your run. Some chicken keepers also swear by male urine, as the scent suggests the presence of a predator. You have to try to see what scents work with your local foxes.
Guard Animals
Certain animals can help keep foxes away. Dogs, geese, and even alpacas have been used successfully as deterrents. However, introducing a guard animal requires careful planning to ensure it will not harm your chickens. The family dog can also sometimes see an opportunity for food.
Best Practices for Daily Chicken Care
Always Lock Up at Night
Foxes are most active at dawn and dusk. To avoid mistakes, close the coop door as soon as the chickens go inside. If possible, use an automatic door that shuts at sunset.
Keep the Area Clean
Leaving food scraps around attracts not just foxes, but also rats and other pests. Store all chicken feed in sealed metal bins to prevent unwanted visitors.
Be Aware of Fox Activity
If you hear foxes barking at night, see footprints near the run, or notice signs of digging, take action immediately. Foxes will test your defences over time, so staying one step ahead is crucial.
If you are new to keeping chickens, fox-proofing your coop might feel overwhelming at first. But do not worry. Taking a few key steps now will save you a lot of stress in the long run. Start with the basics. Make sure your coop is sturdy, your run is secure, and all doors and latches are properly fitted. Then add extra protection, like burying wire to stop digging and using motion activated lights to deter night time visitors. Foxes are clever, but a well protected coop will keep your flock safe.
The more time you spend with your chickens, the more you will notice signs of trouble before they become real problems. If you see footprints near the run or hear foxes at night, check your setup and reinforce any weak spots. Good habits, like locking up at dusk and keeping food stored safely, will go a long way in preventing unwanted visitors.
With the right setup and a little routine maintenance, you can enjoy keeping chickens without the worry of fox attacks. It is a rewarding experience, and with your coop properly secured, you can focus on what really matters: raising happy and healthy hens.