Ever wondered why there is a sudden disappearance of chickens from the flock? We typically find out that it happens when there are possums nesting around the area. But do possums eat chickens, or is it just another myth about this rat-like creature? We have to look for it.

Possum

Having roughly the size of a cat, possums are more like rats having a long hairless tail, black eyes, and long pointed face. They are attracted to overflowing garbage bins, leftover foods, shrubs, fruit trees, and also the pet’s food. Having a diverse diet, we need to see whether or not they eat chickens so that we can take appropriate steps to protect them in the first place.

Will possum eat chickens?

Known as hunters, possums do not eat a lot, but they search for food like it’s going to be their last time. Whatever comes in their way, they will create havoc, and this is one of the few reasons people look for ways to get rid of possums

Apart from plants, veggies, and fruits, possums are known for eating snails, bugs, rodents, and flies.

Talking about the chickens, if got the chance, possums do attack and also eat chickens. They are more likely to take chicks and eggs and do not prefer a full-grown hen. However, while possums are capable of attacking adult chicken, they are unlikely to consume it in one sitting.

But there are always ways to prevent this attack, and here we are going to walk you through that.

How to protect your chickens from possum attacks?

Possums are not naturally aggressive, but they have sharp pointed teeth and often act as dead when feeling danger. However, chickens do not have a tendency to fight back and often fail to survive the possum’s attack.

Giving a sigh of relief to poultry farmers, there are ways that help keep your flocks safe from possums. Let’s explore a few of them.

Create an unwelcoming environment for possums

By creating an unwelcoming environment, we mean that you should remove all the things possums find attractive and head towards your home or yard. That includes not leaving the food outside, covering your garbage bins, trimming trees, and removing shrubs from your lawn. Get rid of debris, fallen fruits, or woodpiles, and make sure the area is neat and clean.

All these steps will lead to creating an environment unpleasant for possums. In return, flocks will be protected as there will be no possums around. Plus, you will also be saved from the nuisance they create.

Secure chicken coop

In addition to securing the entrance, you need to make sure that the coop is latched properly. Do not use wires that possums can easily get through. Shut the door at night and also secure the perimeter by using some kind of deterrents.

Install motion sensor lighting

Possums dislike to be spotted, and thus they scare away from lighting or sound. Installing motion sensor lights will keep the possums away from flocks even during the night. Moreover, you can also set up a radio playing all day, and you will not see any possum coming around.

In addition, you can also place lighting around the coop so that possums do not try to enter and harm chickens.

Electric fencing of the perimeter

When it comes to livestock and chicken coop security, protecting the boundary is one of the most important steps to take. Electric fencing in this regard proves to be an effective method. Other than possums, it will also help other ground-based predators to stay away from the premises.

What if you find a possum in a chicken house?

Instead of worrying and shouting out loud, the possum will try to run away as soon as you find them. Try to show them a way to go outside, and they will not harm you.

Possums generally avoid confrontation, and they pretend to be dead to defend themselves. Thus, if you find a possum in a chicken coop, there is nothing to worry about. In any case, you should prevent possums from going near chickens because possums attack and eat chickens. For that, do also check out how to scare possums away from your house.

Conclusion

Despite the fact that possums help in pest control by consuming slugs, snails, and insects, they are not preferred to have around, not only because of the annoyance they make but also to protect your chickens from getting attacked. Possums are likely to attack and eat chickens if they do not find any other food. Thus, it is better that you keep them away and prevent this from happening in the first place.

If you have been losing members of flocks, it might be because of possums.

As possums eat chickens, what are some other animals that should be protected from them?