If you only get one thing right when starting with chickens… make it this.

A predator proof chicken coop isn’t about looking pretty. It’s about keeping your flock alive.

I’ve seen the “Taj Mahal” style coops floating around online—multiple levels, little walkways, looks like a luxury Airbnb for chooks. And sure, they look awesome.

But here’s the truth…

You don’t need fancy.

You need functional, strong, and predator-proof.

Because predators don’t care how cute your coop is.

Let’s not sugar coat it—if you have chickens, you will have predators.

Doesn’t matter if you’re on acreage or smack bang in suburbia.

We actually had more predator issues on a small block in town than we do now on a bigger property. Go figure.

And the worst part?

Most attacks happen because of simple things that were missed.

Not complicated mistakes. Just gaps, weak wire, or poor setup.

Most people immediately think of foxes.

Yep… they’re a problem. But they’re not the only one.

Here’s what you’re really dealing with:

In Australia:

Overseas (Northern Hemisphere):

But let me say this loud and clear…

We’ve lost more chickens to domestic dogs than anything else.

Not foxes. Not snakes.

Dogs.

And they don’t kill for food—they kill for fun. That’s the brutal part.

If you understand this, you’re already ahead.

Predators don’t magically appear inside your coop.

They:

And if they can see, smell, or hear your chickens…

They’ll keep coming back.

This is the stuff that actually matters. Not the Pinterest fluff.

Chicken wire keeps chickens in.

It does NOT keep predators out.

You want:

• Welded mesh

• Small gaps (around 1–2.5cm)

• Strong enough that you can’t push your fist through it

If you can push through it… so can a predator.

This is a game changer.

Run wire:

• 30–50cm out from the coop

• Buried slightly into the ground (on an angle is even better)

So when something tries to dig…

They hit wire and give up.

Predators are smarter than you think.

Some can:

• Lift hooks

• Slide bolts

• Push doors open

Use:

• Carabiners

• Spring clips

• Locking latches

Quick test?

If a 5-year-old can open it… it’s not predator proof.

This stops:

• Hawks & eagles

• Climbing predators

• Wild birds (biosecurity win)

Options:

• Chicken wire

• Shade cloth

• Solid roofing

Bonus: keeps feed dry and reduces disease risk.

Seriously. None.

Check:

• Under doors

• Around nesting boxes

• Between roof and walls

• Around feeders

If there’s a gap… something will find it.

You can build the best coop in the world… and still get caught out by poor placement.

Here’s what works:

• Close enough to the house to hear trouble

• Not right under trees (climbing predators)

• Away from thick bushes (hiding spots)

• On well-drained ground (harder to dig)

And if you can…

Add sensor lights. They spook predators big time.

I’ll say it straight.

Most store-bought coops are not predator proof.

Why?

Because they’re:

• Lightweight

• Flat-packed

• Built for convenience, not strength

You’ll end up reinforcing them anyway.

So if you can…

DIY your coop.

Use:

• Recycled timber

• Second-hand wire

• Old roofing

It doesn’t need to be pretty.

It needs to be solid.

This is the bit people skip.

And it matters just as much as the build.

Daily:

• Lock the coop at night

• Count your chickens

• Clean up scraps

Weekly:

• Walk the fence line

• Check for digging

• Inspect latches and wire

Seasonal:

• Fix damage

• Trim branches

• Check buried mesh

One of our best hacks?

We put little bells along the fence line. Anything touches it—ding ding ding.

Our livestock guardian dog is onto it instantly.

Simple. Effective. Brilliant.

It knocks you. Hard.

The first time it happens, you question everything.

But here’s the truth…

It happens to everyone at some point.

What matters is what you do next:

• Fix the weak spot immediately

• Lock things down tighter

• Don’t beat yourself up

Because predators will come back if they got an easy win.

Predators are opportunistic.

They’re not looking for a challenge.

They’re looking for an easy feed.

So your job?

Make your coop the hardest option in the area.

Do that… and they’ll move on.

If you’re just getting started and want to do this properly from day one, this is exactly the kind of practical, no-fluff stuff I teach inside Mojo Homestead.

Because life’s too short to learn everything the hard way… especially when it comes to losing your chooks.