The image of a skunk consuming a chicken head points directly to the striped skunk’s nature as an opportunistic feeder. While skunks are notorious for their defensive spray, their interaction with poultry is driven by a search for high-value nutrition. The skunk’s ability to locate and exploit weak points in a chicken coop makes them an effective, though small, predator. Reports of only the head being consumed reflect a strategic feeding behavior focused on efficiency.
The Skunk’s Natural Role as an Omnivore
The striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) is an omnivorous forager whose diet shifts with the seasons. Primary food sources consist of insects (grubs, beetles, and grasshoppers), which they dig out using their strong foreclaws. Their diet is supplemented by plant matter (berries, roots, and leaves) and small animals such as rodents, lizards, and frogs.
Skunks are classified as opportunistic feeders, meaning they will consume nearly anything edible that is easily accessible. A chicken coop represents a dense, readily available source of protein and fat, which is an irresistible lure for a nocturnal animal seeking calories. They are particularly drawn to chicken eggs and young chicks, but they will attack an adult bird if the opportunity arises, especially if the bird is roosting or otherwise vulnerable.
Why the Head is Targeted During Predation
When a skunk preys on a chicken, the preference for the head is based on nutrition and accessibility. The brain is one of the richest sources of fat and protein in the entire body. For a small predator, accessing this dense packet of nutrients offers the greatest caloric return for the least effort.
A skunk’s attack method is constrained by its size, making a direct assault on the chicken’s thick muscle inefficient. They target the most vulnerable areas, typically the neck and head, to quickly incapacitate the bird. Once the chicken is subdued, the soft tissues of the head and the brain matter are far easier to consume than the tough muscle and bone of the main carcass. This behavior is common among small carnivores known to prioritize the head for its nutritional density.
Distinguishing Skunk Kills from Other Predators
Identifying the specific predator is important for effective prevention, as many animals target the head. Unlike foxes or coyotes, which often remove the entire carcass, skunks typically kill only one or two birds and consume them on site. This limited kill count is a useful indicator, since other small predators like weasels often engage in “surplus killing.”
The evidence of entry also provides a strong clue, since skunks are poor climbers but excellent diggers. A skunk attack is often preceded by signs of digging or burrowing immediately adjacent to the coop or run perimeter. Furthermore, the distinctive, pungent odor of their defensive spray may permeate the area, offering the most definitive sign of their presence.
Securing Poultry Against Opportunistic Skunks
Protecting a flock from skunks requires focusing on their nocturnal habits and reliance on digging for entry. Since skunks forage at night, the coop door must be securely latched every evening, as they are drawn to the scent of feed and roosting birds. The most effective physical barrier involves burying hardware cloth, a strong, woven wire mesh, around the perimeter of the coop and run.
Physical Barriers
The wire mesh should extend at least six inches underground and be bent outward in an “L” shape to discourage tunneling attempts.
Eliminating Attractants
Eliminating attractants is a strong deterrent. All chicken feed should be stored in sealed, airtight containers, and spilled feed or eggs must be cleaned up promptly.
Deterrents
Motion-activated lighting or sprinklers can also startle a skunk. These leverage the skunk’s poor eyesight and general wariness to create an area they prefer to avoid.