SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/chick-close-coop-night

When does most predation on backyard chickens happen?

At night, so lock the flock in a secure coop before dark.

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  1. At midday
  2. In the afternoon
  3. At night ✔

Why: Raccoons, foxes and owls hunt mostly after dark. Locking chickens inside a secure coop every night is one of the best habits.

Huh, didn't know that: Colorado State warns owls may strike right at dusk, so close up the coop before dark.

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What time do raccoons like best? Coop o'clock.
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References

Answer: At night. Raccoons, foxes and owls hunt mostly after dark. Locking chickens inside a secure coop every night is one of the best habits.

  1. Virginia Cooperative Extension: Small-scale Poultry Housing (APSC-186) aaec.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/2902/2902-1092/APSC-186.pdf
    you need to lock up your poultry before dark, as most predation occurs at night
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. Colorado State University Extension: Chickens and Predators extension.colostate.edu/resource/chickens-and-predators
    if owls are a problem in your area, don't wait until after dark to close up the coop
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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Test yourself in the game

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That's stuff everyone should know.