Patterns of Predation Missing adult birds-coyotes, bobcats, dogs, birds of prey, and foxesįor birds of prey, hawks will take birds during the day whereas, owls will take birds during the night. Domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, can also be predators of poultry. Predators include coyotes, foxes, bobcats, weasels and their relatives, birds of prey, racoons, opossums, skunks, rodents, and snakes. Younger, smaller birds are also more susceptible. Chicken flocks are often more prone than turkey flocks, due to the size of birds. PredatorsĪ number of different predator species can cause damage and economic losses on poultry flocks. Flocks are at the highest risk, especially during the night, if they are not provided with predator-proof housing. Organic operations are also prone to predation if birds are raised free-range, where they are allowed to graze.
In addition, they may not be housed at all, allowing the birds to free-range and take cover under existing structures. Commercial flocks are at risk from small predators and birds of prey when the building structures are not maintained.īackyard flocks, maintained by small farmers, hobbyists, and youth, are usually housed in a variety of facility types that may or may not offer secure predator protection. These buildings are usually constructed with concrete foundations and a complete roof, and open areas are enclosed by fine net-meshing (i.e., broilers and turkeys) or enclosed entirely by metal siding (i.e., layers). The reason for this difference is in the way flocks are housed and managed.Ĭommercial poultry producers maintain flocks within buildings for their entire production cycle. However, predation is a big concern for backyard flocks and organic poultry producers.
Predation is not common in commercial poultry production.