Category: Chickens

There are many different predators that can harm your pet chickens. Not only can these animals kill your flock, but they can also contaminate their food or water, carry parasites, transmit disease, or scare them (which can result in lowered egg production).

Although chicken keepers can never completely remove the danger of predators, they can definitely reduce the risk with Somerzby’s tips below.

Key Takeaways

• The main predators of backyard chickens in Australia are foxes, rodents, snakes, dogs, cats and birds of prey.

• The more precautions you take, the safer your flock will be.

• Effective protection includes a predator-proof coop, secure fencing and wire mesh skirting. Keeping the area clean, using motion sensors and installing electric fencing further enhance safety.

Table of Contents

• Identifying Common Predators of Chickens
• Ways to Protect Chickens From Predators
• FAQ
• Toni’s Wrap

Identifying Common Predators of Chickens

The first step in protecting your backyard chickens from predators is to determine which animals are a threat. Based on this, you can then choose the most appropriate measures to protect your flock.

A good way to find out about predators in your area is to ask neighbours or your local council.

Foxes

Foxes are one of the most common and persistent predators of chickens in Australia, found in both rural and urban areas. Though primarily nocturnal, adult foxes are opportunistic hunters and will strike during broad daylight if given the chance. Foxes often dig under fences, squeeze through small gaps or climb over enclosures to reach chickens. 

Signs of their presence include scratch marks, burrowed holes near the coop and scattered feathers. Unlike most predators that take only one bird, fox attacks frequently kill entire flocks in a single raid, often leaving bodies behind.

Mice and Rats

Mice and rats are usually drawn to chicken coops by leftover food. These rodents can squeeze through tiny gaps in coops, burrow under walls or climb structures to access eggs and even attack vulnerable chicks. Beyond direct harm, they spread diseases such as salmonella and avian influenza, which can be fatal to poultry.

Signs of an infestation include gnawed feed bags, droppings and chewed wiring. While typically nocturnal, spotting rats during the day suggests a severe infestation requiring immediate action.

Snakes

Snakes are often drawn to chicken coops in search of rodents but can pose a direct threat to chickens as well. They enter through small gaps, under fences or slither through ventilation openings. Some venomous snakes, such as brown snakes or tiger snakes, may bite and kill adult chickens if startled or threatened. 

Signs of snakes in your coop include shed skins, missing eggs and distressed chickens. Ensuring your coop is rodent-free can help reduce the risk of attracting them.

Dogs

Both domestic and wild dogs (including dingos) can pose a serious threat to chickens. While some pet dogs tolerate poultry, others have strong hunting instincts and may chase, injure or kill chickens—even during playful behaviour. 

Dogs can break into coops by jumping fences, digging underneath or breaking the chicken wire off the coop’s frame.

Cats

Domestic cats typically pose little threat to adult chickens but may attack baby chicks if given the chance. They can sneak into coops through small openings or climb over enclosures to reach vulnerable birds. 

Feral cats, on the other hand, are skilled hunters and will target chickens of any size, especially at night. Their sharp claws and teeth allow them to kill quickly, often leaving behind injured or missing birds. 

Eagles and Hawks

Australian birds of prey, such as wedge-tailed eagles and brown goshawks, hunt chickens by swooping down from above. They target smaller or young birds, carrying them off or fatally injuring them with sharp talons. 

They are found in both rural and urban areas, especially where open spaces provide clear hunting grounds.

Ways to Protect Chickens From Predators

There are many different approaches to keeping chickens safe from predators. The more methods you use, the safer your flock will be.

A Predator-Proof Enclosure

The most effective way to protect your backyard chickens is a predator-proof coop with strong chicken wire on the sides and secure latches. Always ensure the coop doors are shut overnight (including the nesting box lid) and regularly inspect for damage.

For extra protection, consider the Somerzby Deluxe Cottage or Deluxe Mansion, which includes wire mesh floors to stop digging predators from getting in underneath.

It is crucial that your coop design has a sturdy chicken run attached, to keep your chickens safe when free ranging during the daytime.

Secure the Perimeter of the Coop with Wire Mesh

Stop foxes, dogs and rats from digging into your coop by installing chicken wire around its perimeter.

One method is to dig a trench in the ground and bury the mesh vertically at least 30cm deep. 

Alternatively, you can lay a wire mesh skirt flat on the ground around the coop’s edge and securely peg it down. If you have grass, it will eventually grow over the mesh, making it less visible.

Secure Your Backyard

It is important that your garden perimeter is fenced off completely. A high-quality fence will keep wild foxes and dogs off your property.

Regularly check your fence for holes or damage. Fencing must be at least 1.8 metres high with an outward-curving top to deter foxes from jumping over. We recommend that you use steel fence posts as these are harder to climb than wooden posts.

Maintain Cleanliness Around the Coop

It is crucial that you keep the area surrounding your coop clear and tidy so there are fewer places for predators to hide. Animals are less likely to approach the coop if they are out in the open and vulnerable.

Make sure the grass is mowed regularly and your compost pile is far away. Any items that could allow a predator to hide should be cleared, including rubbish and large branches.

Clean up excess chook food at the end of each day as it can attract rodents. Store all food away from the coop in an airtight container. 

Collect Eggs Daily

Some predators such as rats and snakes target eggs, not your laying hens. For this reason, it is important that you collect the eggs daily to avoid attracting predators.

Check not only the nesting box but also the rest of the coop. Every now and again hens will lay in odd places!

Utilise Motion Sensors

Motion-sensor lights can be an effective deterrent for nocturnal predators, such as foxes, by startling them at night.

Motion-activated sprinklers are a useful tool for discouraging cats from approaching your chicken coop.

Provide Safety Shelters for Daytime Outdoor Protection

If your chickens are free ranging in your backyard, we recommend that you provide them with safety shelters. These allow chickens somewhere they can run into and hide from daytime predators, particularly birds of prey.

They are easy and affordable to make from old pallets or plastic drums. Get creative! 

Invest in Electric Poultry Netting

Electric poultry fences are an effective way to protect your chickens from predators. The current running through electric fences deters foxes, dogs and wild cats from getting too close to your chickens, as they will receive a harmless shock if they attempt to breach the barrier.

Set Up Humane Traps

Humane traps can help catch predators, such as foxes and cats. However, keep in mind that these will only catch one at a time so you should always be using these in conjunction with other methods.

For baiting these traps, raw chicken or tinned tuna are highly effective food sources. Strategically place small amounts of these baits leading up to the trap to lure the predator in.

FAQ

Do possums eat chickens?

Native animals such as possums are not typically a direct threat to adult birds, but they may scavenge eggs if they can gain access to the coop. 

How to tell which predator killed your chicken?

To identify the predator, look for signs. Foxes tend to leave dead birds behind, snakes may leave puncture wounds and dogs may have dug holes next to the coop to try to gain entry. 

If you are unsure, try setting up a wildlife motion sensor camera.

What are the most common predators of backyard chickens?

The most common predators of backyard chickens in Australia are foxes, rodents, snakes, dogs, cats and other birds such as hawks and eagles.

These animals may target chickens, eggs or both, depending on the species.

How can I tell if a predator has been near my chicken coop?

Look for signs such as scattered feathers, broken fencing, gnawed feed bags and droppings. If any of your chickens are missing or injured, or if eggs are gone, it’s also a strong indication that predators have been near your coop.

Toni’s Wrap

Protecting your chickens from predators is essential for their safety and well-being. As a chicken owner myself, I know how important it is to have a secure coop, strong fencing and extra precautions like motion sensors or electric fencing. With the right setup and regular maintenance, you can keep your flock safe and give yourself peace of mind.

Understanding how long eggs can stay in a chicken coop is an essential aspect of keeping chickens. Freshly laid eggs are a delight, but knowing when to collect them and how to store eggs effectively ensures their freshness and longevity.

In this post, we delve into the factors that affect egg longevity within the chicken coop. We will discuss temperature considerations that impact how long eggs can stay in the coop without compromising their quality. Furthermore, we’ll explore humidity’s role in preserving your home-laid eggs’ freshness.

We’ll also offer backyard chicken keepers with some of our top coop recommendations.

• How Long Can Eggs Stay in a Chicken Coop?
• Key Factors Affecting the Freshness and Shelf Life of Eggs
• How To Tell If Eggs Are Fresh? Do Fresh Eggs Sink or Float?
• FAQ
• Toni’s Wrap

How Long Can Eggs Stay in a Chicken Coop?

If you’re new to keeping chickens, you might wonder how long you can leave fresh laid eggs in a coop. There is no correct answer, but generally, chicken eggs can remain fresh and safe for consumption for up to three weeks in the coop. 

Continue reading for more information regarding the different factors that affect the freshness of eggs and how long can eggs stay in the coop.

Factors Affecting Egg Longevity

Eggs are eggcellent for nutrition, but their freshness can be affected by several factors when left in the chicken coop. Factors like temperature, humidity, airflow, and cleanliness significantly affect the shelf life of your chickens’ eggs. These variables can either preserve or degrade the quality and safety of the eggs, so it’s important to monitor and control them effectively.

Temperature

The chicken coop’s temperature plays a crucial role in determining the duration of freshness for the eggs. Maintaining a temperature between 10-15°C is ideal to ensure eggs remain fresh and prevent spoilage. High temperatures can promote bacterial growth, leading to spoilage, while very freezing temperatures may cause the eggs to crack and become inedible.

Temperature Considerations

To keep your coop in the ideal temperature range:

• Insulate properly: Effective insulation is key to maintaining a comfortable temperature inside your chicken coop throughout the year. In winter, it helps keep the coop warm, and in summer, it keeps it cool by reducing heat penetration. Consider materials such as foam boards, fiberglass, or reflective insulation panels.
• Avoid direct sunlight: Direct sunlight can significantly increase the temperature inside the coop. To manage this, position the coop in a shaded area, particularly during the hotter afternoon hours, to prevent overheating.
• Ventilate adequately: Proper ventilation is important to regulate the air temperature and quality inside the coop. Proper airflow allows hot air to exit and cooler air to circulate, maintaining a stable environment. You can view Somerzby’s range of well-ventilated coops here.

Humidity

Humidity level is another factor that significantly impacts egg preservation in chicken coops. The optimal range is 50-70% relative humidity. Levels that are too high can cause condensation on egg shells, creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth and mould. On the other hand, extremely dry conditions can cause eggs to lose their freshness faster due to excessive evaporation through porous shells.

Humidity Considerations

But how do you control humidity inside a chicken coop? Here are some tips:

• Ventilation: A well-ventilated coop helps prevent the accumulation of moisture, reducing humidity levels significantly. This is achieved by allowing stale, moist air to escape and fresh, dry air to circulate, ensuring the environment remains dry and less prone to mould and bacterial growth.
• Cleanliness: Keeping the chicken coop clean is essential to control dampness caused by droppings and spilled water. Regular cleaning routines remove waste and excess moisture, preventing the buildup of damp conditions that can foster bacteria and disease.
• Dry Bedding: Using absorbent materials like straw or wood shavings for bedding is ideal in maintaining dry conditions within the coop. These materials soak up excess moisture and help maintain healthy humidity levels within the coop. Regular replacement or addition of fresh bedding is also necessary to maintain these conditions.
• Moisture: Humidity levels in a chicken coop can be measured and maintained using a hygrometer, which is a tool that measures the moisture in the air. You can help increase humidity through a humidifier or placing a shallow water pan in the coop. To decrease humidity, use dehumidifiers or increase ventilation.

Ventilation

A well-ventilated chicken coop is crucial for maintaining the freshness of eggs. Proper airflow helps regulate temperature and humidity levels inside the coop, preventing moisture buildup. This not only ensures fresh air circulates effectively but also reduces the risks of mould growth and bacterial contamination, preventing premature spoilage of the eggs. 

Ventilation Considerations

To ensure ventilation within the coop, consider the following:

• Design with vents or windows: Placing vents or windows strategically in the coop design significantly improves airflow by allowing fresh air in and pushing stale, moist air out. This effectively reduces humidity levels, which can otherwise encourage mould and bacterial growth. Coops and Cages have some great tips on coop design mistakes.
• Position vents high up: By positioning vents high up in the coop, you are able to utilise the natural movement of warm air which rises, ensuring that moist air doesn’t settle around the nesting boxes. This could lead to damp conditions favourable for bacteria and mould growth. 
• Clean regularly: Regular cleaning is crucial in maintaining optimal ventilation. Dust and debris can block airways and restrict airflow, leading to stagnant air that could harbour pathogens. 

Looking for a high-quality chicken coop with adequate ventilation? Check out Somerzby’s wide range of pet enclosures designed for comfort and safety for all pets, including chickens.

Cleanliness

A dirty chicken coop leads to waste, moisture, and bacteria build-up, which can contaminate eggs and reduce their freshness. Mold growth and pests like mites and flies thrive in unclean conditions, causing stress to chickens and affecting egg production. Without regular cleaning, eggs may become soiled or damaged. Regularly cleaning nesting boxes, replacing bedding, and disinfecting surfaces prevents bacterial growth and ensures eggs are laid in a clean environment, keeping them fresher and healthier longer.

Cleanliness Considerations

Know the best ways to keep your coop clean:

• Routine Schedule: Maintaining a cleaning schedule provides your chickens with a safe and healthy environment to live and lay eggs. Regular cleaning also helps you easily notice any abnormal behavior in your hens.

• Spot-Cleaning: With spot-cleaning, you should remove any visible food, waste or soiled bedding, this should happen daily or the days you collect your eggs. Once a week, replace all the bedding with fresh straw or pine shavings. It is the most popular method as it prevents odours and bacteria from spreading.

• Products: Vinegar is an effective natural disinfectant with antimicrobial properties, ideal for cleaning your chicken coop. Mix equal parts vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle, then apply it to surfaces like nesting boxes, perches, and walls to kill bacteria and neutralize odours. Let the area dry before reintroducing your chickens. Provide your coop with a deep clean monthly.

How To Tell If Eggs Are Fresh? Do Fresh Eggs Sink or Float?

When it comes to determining the freshness of eggs, the floating test is often used. Fresh eggs tend to sink when placed in water, while older eggs are more likely to float. When an egg sinks, it indicates that its freshness is preserved, making it suitable for consumption.

On the other hand, if an egg floats, it suggests that it is no longer as fresh. This is because fresh eggs have a smaller air cell inside, meaning less air has penetrated the eggshell. The denser contents of a fresh egg cause it to sink in water.

FAQ

Do You Have To Collect Eggs Every Day? What Happens If You Don’t Collect Eggs Daily?

Yes, it’s recommended to collect chicken eggs every day for freshness and cleanliness reasons. It is important to thoroughly search all areas of your chicken enclosure as you may find eggs in areas outside of the dedicated nesting space. If you can’t collect eggs every day, aim for collecting fresh eggs at least every other day to prevent them from becoming spoiled.

Can You Eat Eggs Right After They Have Been Laid?

Yes, freshly laid eggs are safe to eat immediately. However, it’s important to note that fresher eggs are more difficult to peel, especially when they’re hard-boiled. As eggs age, the pH level of the egg white increases, which makes the shell easier to remove when boiled. The ‘perfect’ time, when it comes to balancing egg freshness and ease of peeling, is usually around 7-10 days.

Can You Eat Eggs That Have Been In The Coop For A Few Days?

Yes, if you store eggs properly at cool temperatures, they remain fresh for several days. To determine if an egg is off, perform the egg float test or crack the shell of the egg open and check for any signs of spoilage, such as an unpleasant odour or unusual appearance.

How Long Can Freshly Laid Eggs Sit Out?

Freshly laid chicken eggs can safely sit out at room temperature for about two weeks. For a list of the best egg-laying chickens, check out this guide.

Should You Wash Eggs Before Consumption?

It is important to not wash fresh eggs unless necessary. Eggs have a protective natural coating called the “bloom” or “cuticle” on their shells, which helps to seal the pores and prevent bacteria from entering the egg shell. This protective coating also helps to maintain the freshness and quality of the egg.

If an egg is visibly dirty or soiled, it is best to clean it using a dry cloth or paper towel rather than washing it with water. Washing your egg can strip away the protective bloom, which increases the risk of bacteria entering and can cause the egg to spoil faster.

Toni’s Wrap

Temperature, humidity, and ventilation all play a role in how long chicken eggs can last in a chicken coop. I generally find chicken eggs stay fresh for up to two weeks if stored properly in cool temperatures and low humidity.

However, if these conditions aren’t met or if the eggs have been sitting for too long, they may no longer be safe to eat, so it’s important to keep your coop well-maintained to ensure your chickens lay high-quality eggs.

From my personal experience of keeping chickens, gathering eggs from your chickens is a fun and fulfilling activity.

I recommend checking out Somerzby’s range of well-designed chicken coops, perfect for providing a comfortable and suitable environment for egg-laying chickens.

Quick Links

• Do Chickens Have To Have Nesting Boxes?
• What Is A Nesting Box?
• Encouraging Chickens To Lay In The Nesting Box
• How Many Nesting Boxes Do I Need For My Chickens?

• Nesting Boxes In Your Somerzby Chicken Coop
• Rollaway Eggs
• How To Build A Nesting Box
• DIY Nesting Box Plans

Do Chickens Have To Have Nesting Boxes?

While chickens can lay eggs anywhere, they will often naturally be drawn to laying inside a nesting box. This is because it helps them to feel protected and secure.

Chicken nesting boxes are a benefit to chicken keepers as it makes egg collection easier. You don’t have to spend time searching your whole coop or yard looking for eggs. This also decreases the chance of eggs being broken or stepped on.

We recommend waiting until your hens are old enough to start laying eggs, around 18 weeks, before acquiring nesting boxes.

What Is A Nesting Box?

A nesting box is a specially designed enclosed space where birds and small animals can lay eggs, rest, or seek shelter. They are predominately used for chickens as a comfortable, private area for egg laying.

Nesting boxes offer protection from predators and are typically kept inside a chicken coop where hens can easily access them. Each nesting box can fit one chicken at a time. 

Do you have some nesting box questions? Let us help!

Encouraging Chickens To Lay In The Nesting Box

Your backyard chickens may choose not to lay in the nesting boxes if they prefer another space such as roosting spots. Encourage your hens to lay in their nesting box by making it a more comfortable nesting box. 

If you are still having troubles consider moving the nesting box to a different section of the chicken coop which is quieter, away from the roosting spots. This will help them feel safe and encourage laying.

For the perfect nesting box, make sure it is enclosed, dark and gives your hens privacy. Line the nesting boxes with a comfortable bedding material. Your hens won’t want to lay their eggs on a hard, uncomfortable surface.

Ideal bedding or nesting materials include wood or pine shavings, straw, shredded paper or washable nesting pads. The bedding will need to be regularly cleaned out. Try different nesting material or bedding options until you find one your hens prefer. 

By adding a fake egg or golf ball in the nesting boxes, you are showing your hens where to lay.

How Many Nesting Boxes Do I Need For My Chickens?

The perfect nesting box should be large enough to allow sufficient room to fit one chicken at a time. For an average sized hen, the adequate depth and nest size needs to be 30cm cubed. 

Bantam breeds can have nesting boxes slightly smaller at 25cm cubed. Very large breeds may require nesting boxes larger at 35cm cubed.

For multiple hens, it’s important to know that chickens don’t need a nesting box each. They won’t all lay at the same time and they will be happy to share. You typically need 1 community nest box for every 3 chickens.

Nesting Boxes In Your Somerzby Chicken Coop

All Somerzby chicken coops come with nesting boxes. Many of our coops have a larger, higher nest box that is divided into 2 or 3 individual nesting spaces. 

Most Somerzby nesting boxes are mounted onto the side of the coop with an opening lid for easy cleaning. 

This allows you easy access to reach in and collect the eggs without having to get inside the coop yourself.

If you have a chicken coop that doesn’t have a nesting box, you could add one in yourself.  You don’t necessarily have to have mounted boxes on the side of the coop. 

You could place the nesting boxes inside of the coop’s enclosed area. Make sure you put it somewhere that is easy to reach, to make egg collection easier.

You can purchase pre-made nesting boxes from many farm supply stores. These can be made from wood, plastic or metal.

Many farm supply stores sell single nesting boxes or larger ones that are divided into multiple nesting spaces.

It will typically cost between $10-40 per nesting space.

Alternatively, you could make some yourself from new or recycled materials. Using scrap materials you already have (such as old pallets) will help cut costs.

Rollaway Eggs

Rollaway nesting boxes have a slanted base which causes the eggs to roll towards the front or back of the nesting box.

There is often a lid covering the front or back section where the eggs roll to. The lid can be lifted and eggs collected daily.

The main purpose of rollaway nesting boxes is to protect the eggs.

By allowing the eggs to automatically move to a covered area at the front or back of the nesting box, the risk of accidental breakage by the hens is reduced. This also helps keep the eggs cleaner.

Another benefit of rollaway nesting boxes is that they prevent hens from getting broody from sitting on their eggs too long.

How To Build A Nesting Box

The general idea when making your own nesting boxes can be quite simple! 
Even someone who isn’t too “handy” will be able to do it.

You could choose to either build individual nesting boxes or create one longer nesting box and then add divider walls throughout to create multiple nesting spaces for your hens.

 Including a lip on the edge of your nesting box will prevent eggs from rolling out and breaking. It will also keep all the bedding material inside the nesting box.

Your nesting box does not need a closed top. It can be open. However, an enclosed nesting box may help your hens to feel safe and therefore they are more likely to lay their eggs there. 

If it has a closed top, make sure it is tall enough for your chickens to walk into.
If your chicken coop is taller, you can stack nesting boxes on top of one another to save space. Make sure you secure them properly so they don’t wobble or move.

Lightweight plastic nesting boxes will need to be attached to something so they don’t move when the hens are using them. 

Heavier nesting boxes may not need to be secured. It depends on how likely they are to move. It can be a good idea to secure them just in case. You could screw them to your coop’s walls or floor.

Adding a peaked or sloped roof will prevent chickens from laying eggs on top of the nesting boxes. If they do this, the eggs are much more likely to break.

DIY Nesting Box Plans & Designs

The simplest nesting box plans are designed to be made from recycled items that are already box shaped. 

You will be surprised how many items around your home could be easily turned into nesting boxes. These include:

Plastic Milk Crate

The simplest way to turn a plastic milk crate into a nesting box is to lay it on its side. Add a lip along the front by attaching a piece of wood. This will prevent eggs rolling out.

 Alternatively, leave the plastic milk crate the correct way up and cut a large opening out of the front so the chickens can access the box. 

Leave a small lip at the bottom. This method makes it very easy to stack multiple nesting boxes on top of one another.

Wine Barrel

Lay the wine barrel on its side. Using a drill, screw a wooden board onto the front of the wine barrel along the bottom. 

Make sure the wooden board is longer than the width of the barrel. This board will stop the barrel from rolling and also act as a lip to prevent eggs from rolling out.

Bucket Nesting Boxes

Using the same technique as the Wine Barrel above, lay the plastic bucket (storage bins) on its side and attach a wooden board along the bottom.

Cube Book Shelves

Cube book shelves can be purchased very cheap from furniture, department and second-hand stores.

Simply screw a wooden board along the bottom of each row to prevent eggs rolling out.

Litter Boxes

An old cat litter box makes a great nesting box. 

Most won’t need any alternation. If it is a hooded cat litter box, the flap will need to be removed and you will need to make sure your hens can fit through the opening.

Similarly, an old plastic pet carrier or storage bins may also be suitable, with the door removed.

The relationship between snakes and chicken owners can be challenging.

On one hand, snakes help to reduce the number of rats and mice in your backyard. Rodents are drawn to chicken coops and can be a big problem for backyard chicken keepers. They can steal eggs, leave droppings and spread disease.

But on the other hand, snakes can be an issue themselves.

Larger snakes can eat your eggs, baby chicks or even kill adult chickens on rare occasions.

The presence of snakes in and around your chickens can be highly dangerous for humans too, as many breeds are venomous which can be deadly. This is especially concerning for young children who might inadvertently startle a snake hiding in the coop.

If you find a snake in your chicken coop, you will need to call in an expert to have it removed. It is dangerous to risk handling it yourself and it is illegal in Australia to kill snakes, as they are protected.

How Do I Make My Chicken Coop Snake Proof?

Snakes can slither through very small spaces, so you need to make sure your coop is covered with wire mesh with holes no larger than 11mm squared.

Snakes can climb so ensure the roof is fully covered with no cracks or gaps between panels.

Also consider the floor. If your coop is placed on uneven ground, a snake could slither in underneath.

To prevent this, build your coop onto a solid, flat surface such as a concrete slab or pavers. There is no way they could fit in underneath that!

Alternatively, you could add a wire apron around the edge of the coop to discourage them from going underneath.

Make the nesting box less accessible by placing it in an elevated position.

How Do I Make the Area Less Attractive for Snakes?

Snakes are attracted to the eggs in your coop. By removing the eggs twice per day, you are helping make your coop less of a snake magnet.

Snakes may also target your coop to eat rats and mice.

Minimising the chicken feed wastage and spillage with a Somerzby automatic chicken feeder will help reduce the numbers of rodents and, in turn, reduce the number of snakes too.

Traps and poisons are also highly effective in reducing the number of rodents, but you need to position them carefully to avoid them causing harm to your chickens, other pets and small children.

Snakes may also use your chicken coop as shelter, using foliage and other objects to hide under. You can make the area less appealing for snakes by keeping your backyard clear, coop clean and pruning back nearby plants.

Do Snake Repellents Work?

Ultrasonic snake repellents emit vibrations into the nearby ground to deter snakes. However, there is no evidence they work and many customers complain they are a waste of money.

Some people also recommend you put fake, ceramic eggs in the coop for the snakes to eat. Here at Somerzby, we do NOT recommend this. It is unethical as it will cause the snake to die a slow, painful death.

The best repellent is to make the coop less appealing to snakes and cover all gaps so they cannot access the coop.

Can I Buy a Snake Proof Chicken Coop?

All Somerzby chicken coops have wire mesh on the sides with holes 11x11mm. This makes them snake proof when installed on level ground or a hard, flat surface.

Both our Deluxe Mansion and Deluxe Cottage have a wire mesh floor. This makes them completely snake proof on any surface, as there is no way a snake can slither in underneath, even if the coop is placed on uneven grass.

This wire mesh floor also keeps out predators that could dig their way in, including foxes, rats and mice.

Certain chicken breeds are known for laying blue eggs, which are highly sought after for their unique appearance and novelty factor. These eggs stand out due to their stunning shells, ranging from pale pastel shades to deep sky-blue hues.

Although some people claim that blue eggs have a distinct flavour, scientific studies confirm that the taste and nutritional value of blue eggs are no different from those of eggs in more common colours, such as brown or white.

This means their appeal is primarily aesthetic, making them a fun and eye-catching addition to any egg basket.

The exact shade of blue an egg takes on can vary based on factors such as the hen’s diet, health and the amount of sunlight she is exposed to. Hens that are hybrids or crossbreeds may sometimes lay eggs with a greenish hue instead of pure blue, as the blue pigment mixes with other natural colouring processes.

Chickens that produce colourful eggs, including blue ones, are often affectionately referred to as “Easter Eggers.” This nickname reflects their ability to create a vibrant spectrum of egg colours, akin to a basket of dyed Easter eggs.

The following breeds will lay blue eggs:

Araucana

The Araucana lays around 250 blue eggs per year. The shells are blue on the inside as well as on the outside!

Araucanas originated in Chile in the 16th century. They are rare because they carry a fatal gene that causes a high mortality rate in unhatched chicks. Healthy birds mature quickly and can live for over 10 years.

Some Araucanas are rumpless (have no tail) and have distinguishable tufts of feathers that grow from their neck area.

They all have a pea comb and no wattles. They come in multiple colour varieties: black, white, lavender, splash and cuckoo.

The Ameraucana is a cross breed between the Araucana and various American domestic breeds of chicken. They also lay blue eggs however they are not available in Australia.

Cream Legbar

Cream Legbar hens each lay around 200 blue eggs per year. There are other colour varieties of Legbar however only the Cream Legbar will lay blue eggs.

Cream Legbars originated in Britain in the 1930’s. They were created by cross breeding multiple breeds including the Araucana, causing them to lay blue eggs.

They became endangered around the 1970’s but became popular again due to the novelty of their blue eggs.

Cream Legbars are one of the first and most popular autosexing breeds. This means you can tell the difference between males and females from just looking at them, as soon as they have hatched. The male chickens have a pale and non-distinct brown stripe while the females have a dark and bold brown stripe.

They have a feathered crest, long red wattles and either a single or rose comb. They can be very noisy compared to other domestic chicken breeds.