Badgers can be a danger to chickens if they are able to access the chickens’ enclosure. They are known to dig and burrow, so it is important to make sure that the enclosure is secure and buried deep enough to prevent badgers from reaching the chickens. Additionally, chickens should be kept in a coop at night to protect them from nocturnal predators like badgers.
It’s also important to note that badgers are a protected species in the UK and the US, so it is illegal to harm or kill them without a permit.
How to Keep My Chickens Safe from Badgers
Here are some steps you can take to keep your chickens safe from badgers:
- Secure your chicken coop and run: Make sure that the coop and run are securely locked at night, and that the wire mesh is buried at least a foot deep to prevent badgers from digging underneath.
- Use a fence: Install a sturdy fence around the perimeter of the chicken run or coop to keep badgers out. The fence should be at least 4-5 feet high and made of heavy-gauge wire mesh.
- Keep chickens inside at night: Chickens should be kept inside their coop at night to protect them from nocturnal predators like badgers.
- Use motion-activated lights and alarms: These can be a good deterrent for badgers and other predators, as they will likely be frightened off by the sudden noise and light.
- Remove food sources: Keep your property clean, and remove any food sources that might attract badgers. This includes pet food, fallen fruit and compost piles.
- Keep an eye out: Regularly check your coop and run for signs of badger activity, such as digging or scratches.
- Respect the Badgers: Remember that badgers are a protected species and it is illegal to harm or kill them without a permit.
It’s important to note that even with these precautions, there is no guarantee that badgers will not try to prey on your chickens. Keeping a close eye on your birds and reacting quickly to any sign of danger is the best way to keep them safe.