The presence of predators in a backyard flock can lead to significant egg loss, a common concern for chicken keepers. Understanding which animals are responsible for this predation is important for implementing effective protection strategies. Different species exhibit distinct behaviors when consuming eggs, leaving specific clues that aid in identification. Addressing egg predation involves recognizing the culprits and then securing the coop environment to deter their access.
Animals That Eat Chicken Eggs
Many opportunistic egg predators include mammals such as raccoons, skunks, foxes, and opossums, which frequently raid chicken coops. Raccoons, known for their dexterity, often carry eggs away or consume them on site, leaving messy shell fragments. Skunks typically poke a hole in one end and lick out the contents, often leaving the shell relatively intact but crushed. Foxes may carry eggs off or break them open. Opossums are generalist scavengers and will consume eggs.
Birds like crows and jays are common egg thieves, carrying eggs away or pecking holes to consume contents. Snakes swallow eggs whole, leaving no shell fragments. Smaller snakes can squeeze through small openings to access nests. Domestic pets, such as dogs and cats, can also consume eggs.
Identifying the Predator
Identifying the specific predator requires careful observation of the evidence left behind. If eggs are missing entirely with no shell fragments, a snake is a likely culprit. Conversely, if you find cracked or messy shell fragments, a raccoon or opossum might be responsible. Raccoons often leave disturbed nests and may scatter eggshells.
Skunks leave a distinct mark by crushing one end of the egg and licking out the contents. Their presence might also be indicated by a strong odor or by small holes dug under fences or coop foundations, as skunks are skilled diggers. Fox predation can be identified by missing eggs, eggshells found some distance from the coop, or fox scat containing eggshells. Tracks, droppings, or damage to the coop structure can provide further clues to the type of animal involved.
Preventing Egg Loss
Protecting chicken eggs from predators involves implementing several security measures. Securing the coop is important; this includes using sturdy materials like hardware cloth to cover all openings, including windows and ventilation points. Unlike chicken wire, hardware cloth is robust and difficult for predators to chew through. Burying hardware cloth at least 12 inches deep around the perimeter of the coop and run can prevent digging predators like skunks, foxes, and raccoons from gaining access.
Regularly collecting eggs throughout the day reduces the time they are exposed to potential predators. Removing attractants such as spilled feed near the coop can also deter scavengers. For additional protection, some chicken keepers consider guardian animals like dogs, donkeys, llamas, or even geese, which can deter various predators. Ensuring the coop doors are securely closed and latched every night is also important, as many egg predators are nocturnal.