Possums, those often-misunderstood marsupials, are nocturnal creatures with a surprisingly varied diet. While their cute appearance might lead some to believe they're harmless, the question of whether they prey on chickens or their eggs is a serious one for poultry keepers. The short answer is: yes, possums can and do eat both chickens and chicken eggs. However, the extent to which they do so depends on several factors.
What Attracts Possums to Chickens and Eggs?
Possums are opportunistic omnivores, meaning they'll eat almost anything they can find. Their diet typically includes insects, fruits, vegetables, and even carrion. However, the high protein content of chicken eggs and the vulnerability of young chicks make them attractive targets. Several factors increase the likelihood of a possum targeting your poultry:
- Easy Access: Poorly secured coops or runs provide easy access for possums to reach both chickens and their eggs. Gaps in fencing, damaged roofing, or unlocked doors are all potential entry points.
- Availability of Food: If a possum finds a readily available food source, like a vulnerable chicken or a nest full of eggs, it's more likely to return.
- Lack of Natural Predators: In areas with few natural predators for possums, their populations can increase, leading to a higher likelihood of encounters with poultry.
How Possums Hunt Chickens and Eggs
Possums are not typically considered aggressive hunters. They're more likely to target sick, injured, or very young chickens. They may also exploit weaknesses in the coop's security to access eggs. Their methods are often stealthy:
- Egg Raiding: Possums are adept at finding and accessing nests, often leaving little evidence of their presence beyond the missing eggs.
- Preying on Chicks: Newly hatched chicks are particularly vulnerable to possum predation due to their small size and limited mobility.
- Targeting Weak or Injured Birds: A possum might prey on a chicken that's already sick or injured, taking advantage of its weakened state.
Protecting Your Chickens and Eggs from Possums
Protecting your flock from possums requires a multi-pronged approach focusing on prevention and deterrence:
Securing Your Coop
- Reinforce the Coop: Ensure your coop is sturdy, with no gaps or holes that a possum could exploit. Use strong wire mesh, and regularly inspect for damage.
- Secure Doors and Windows: Use strong latches and locks to prevent possums from gaining entry.
- Elevated Nesting Boxes: Raising nesting boxes off the ground makes them more difficult for possums to reach.
- Nighttime Security: Consider using motion-activated lights to deter possums from approaching the coop at night.
Deterrents
- Repellents: While the effectiveness of commercial possum repellents varies, some poultry keepers find them helpful.
- Predatory Scents: Some people use the scent of predator urine (such as dog or fox urine) to deter possums.
- Physical Barriers: Employing barriers like chicken wire around the perimeter of the run can help prevent possums from reaching the coop.
Conclusion
While possums are not inherently aggressive towards chickens, their opportunistic nature and diet make them a potential threat. By implementing robust security measures and employing effective deterrents, poultry keepers can significantly reduce the risk of possum predation and protect their valuable flock. Remember, prevention is always the best strategy. Regular coop inspections and vigilance are key to maintaining a safe and secure environment for your chickens.
