Independent buying guides for backyard chickens

Predator Protection

Predators are the biggest threat to backyard chickens. Hardware cloth, aprons, secure latches and covered runs stop most losses.

Best Rodent-Proof Feed Storage for Chicken Keepers

Best Rodent-Proof Feed Storage for Chicken Keepers

Open feed sacks invite mice, rats and spoilage. Compare metal cans, sealed bins and gaskets to keep chicken feed dry, fresh and out of reach of rodents.

Best Coop Aprons and Anti-Dig Skirts for Runs

Best Coop Aprons and Anti-Dig Skirts for Runs

Foxes and dogs tunnel under runs overnight. Compare predator aprons, buried skirts and fixings that stop diggers from getting beneath your coop walls.

Best Hardware Cloth for Chicken Coops and Runs

Best Hardware Cloth for Chicken Coops and Runs

Hardware cloth keeps predators out where chicken wire fails. Compare gauges, mesh sizes and coatings to pick sturdy fencing for your coop and run.

Best Electric Poultry Netting for Free-Range Flocks

Best Electric Poultry Netting for Free-Range Flocks

Electric netting gives your flock fresh ground without leaving it exposed. Compare post spacing, height, energisers and grounding for reliable daily use.

Best Predator Deterrent Lights for Chicken Coops

Best Predator Deterrent Lights for Chicken Coops

Flashing predator lights can nudge night visitors elsewhere. Compare solar charging, mounting options and run time to add a low-cost layer of coop defence.

Best Coop Locks and Latches That Raccoons Cannot Open

Best Coop Locks and Latches That Raccoons Cannot Open

Raccoons open simple hooks and slide bolts with their hands. Compare two-step latches, barrel bolts and clips to secure every coop door and nest box lid.

Best Motion Cameras for Watching Your Coop and Run

Best Motion Cameras for Watching Your Coop and Run

A motion camera shows you what visits the coop at night. Compare night vision, power options, storage and alerts to catch problems before losses add up.

Best Hawk Deterrents for Backyard Chicken Runs

Best Hawk Deterrents for Backyard Chicken Runs

Aerial predators hunt in daylight when the flock is out. Compare netting, overhead lines, reflective deterrents and cover to protect free-ranging birds.

Best Run Covers for Shade, Rain and Overhead Safety

Best Run Covers for Shade, Rain and Overhead Safety

A covered run stays drier, shadier and safer from above. Compare tarps, shade cloth, netting and roof panels for year-round comfort and protection.

Best Predator-Proofing Supplies

Best Predator-Proofing Supplies

Predator proofing sorted by the animal behind each failure point: mesh aperture and gauge, latch complexity, fence height and detection after dark falls.

How to choose

  • Use hardware cloth, not chicken wire, for security.
  • Bury or lay an apron to stop digging predators.
  • Use latches raccoons cannot open.
  • Cover runs against hawks and climbing predators.

Common questions

Does chicken wire keep predators out?

No. Chicken wire keeps chickens in, but raccoons and other predators can tear through it. Use hardware cloth where safety matters.

What predator is most common?

It varies by area, but raccoons, foxes, hawks and dogs are among the most common threats.