Armadillos are distinctive mammals recognized by their unique armored shells, commonly found across the southern United States. For many backyard chicken owners, their appearance often sparks a concern: do armadillos pose a threat to their flocks? This question arises from their nocturnal habits and digging activities near poultry enclosures.
Armadillos and Chicken Predation
Armadillos are not predators of live chickens. Their physical characteristics and behaviors do not align with hunting or consuming poultry. They lack the sharp talons or powerful jaws of typical avian predators. Instead, their bodies are adapted for digging and foraging for small, subterranean food sources. While some reports mention armadillos opportunistically consuming eggs, there is no consistent evidence they actively hunt or kill adult chickens.
The True Armadillo Diet
Armadillos are primarily insectivores, largely consuming insects and other invertebrates. They use a keen sense of smell to locate food beneath the soil, and their long, sharp claws are well-suited for digging up grubs, beetles, ants, termites, and earthworms. While insects make up the bulk of their diet, armadillos are opportunistic omnivores. They may occasionally consume small reptiles, amphibians, bird eggs, or plant matter like fruits, seeds, and roots, especially when preferred insect prey is scarce. Their foraging behavior, characterized by rooting and digging, is driven by this search for invertebrates, not by a desire to prey on larger animals.
Understanding Armadillo Behavior Near Poultry
Armadillos often approach chicken coops or runs due to their natural foraging and burrowing behaviors. They are attracted to areas with loose soil, moisture, and abundant insect populations, which can include ground around poultry enclosures. Their digging activities might disturb the ground, potentially upsetting nests or exposing buried items. Armadillos are also prolific burrowers, creating dens for shelter and raising young, sometimes near human structures. While their presence and digging can be a nuisance, these actions are incidental to their search for food and shelter, not an intentional threat to chickens.
Coexisting with Armadillos in Chicken Areas
Chicken owners can implement humane strategies to manage armadillo presence near their coops. Installing buried fencing, extending at least 12 inches underground, is effective for deterring digging. An outward-slanted fence, about 3 feet tall, or a single strand of electric wire can also discourage them. Removing potential food sources like spilled chicken feed and managing insect populations, along with maintaining a tidy yard by clearing brush piles, makes the area less appealing. If persistent issues arise, consulting a nuisance wildlife specialist can provide tailored solutions.