Chickens are a common sight in many backyards, and with their presence comes the natural concern about local predators. Among the various wildlife that might pose a threat, the Great Horned Owl is often a subject of inquiry for chicken owners. These large, adaptable owls are widely distributed across the Americas, inhabiting diverse environments from forests and deserts to suburban areas. Their widespread presence means they frequently share habitats with domestic fowl, leading to questions about their predatory habits.
Great Horned Owls: A Hunter’s Profile
Great Horned Owls are opportunistic predators that will prey on chickens. While their primary diet consists of small to medium-sized mammals such as rodents, rabbits, and hares, they also consume a variety of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and even insects. Chickens, being relatively accessible and defenseless, can become targets.
These owls are formidable hunters, known for their keen hunting skills and ability to capture a wide range of prey. They are primarily nocturnal, hunting at night, but may also hunt at dusk or dawn, especially when food is scarce. Their silent flight results from specialized feather structures that disrupt air turbulence, allowing them to approach prey undetected.
Great Horned Owls hunt by perching and pouncing from a high vantage point, or flying low over the ground to ambush prey. They possess powerful talons, capable of severing the spine of their prey. Their strong grip, requiring 28 pounds of force to open once clenched, makes them effective at subduing even larger animals.
Signs of an Owl Attack
Identifying an owl attack on chickens requires looking for specific indicators. Missing chickens, especially overnight, are a key sign, as Great Horned Owls are predominantly nocturnal hunters. If a carcass is found, look for distinct puncture marks, often on the head or neck, left by the owl’s powerful talons.
Unlike some mammalian predators, owls tend to pluck feathers at the kill site, leaving a concentrated pile rather than scattering them widely. The carcass may be relatively intact or partially consumed. Owls often carry off what they can, sometimes dismembering or beheading larger prey for transport. If prey is too heavy, the owl may return to the kill site to continue feeding.
Safeguarding Your Chickens
Protecting your flock from Great Horned Owls requires preventative measures. The most effective strategy is to securely house chickens in a coop from dusk until full daylight, when owls are most active. The coop and any attached runs should be constructed with sturdy materials, using hardware cloth instead of chicken wire.
Hardware cloth, made from galvanized steel with small openings (1/4-inch to 1/2-inch mesh), is stronger and more difficult for predators to breach than chicken wire. It should cover all openings, including windows, and ideally be buried at least 12 inches deep around the perimeter to deter digging predators. Covered runs or overhead netting are beneficial for daytime protection, preventing swooping attacks.
Great Horned Owls are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which prohibits their capture, killing, or possession without a permit. This means prevention and deterrence are the only lawful and ethical approaches to managing potential conflicts. Some deterrents, such as motion-sensor lights or owl decoys, may offer temporary relief, though owls can adapt to stationary objects.