Keeping backyard chickens or small pets can be rewarding, but it also comes with challenges—especially when predators like weasels are in the area. These small but fierce hunters are common throughout northern Michigan and are known for their agility, determination, and ability to squeeze into surprisingly small openings. At Critter Control of Traverse City, we understand how distressing it can be to lose animals to predation. Here's what you need to know about weasels and how to keep your animals safe.
Why Weasels Are a Threat
Despite their small size, weasels are highly skilled predators that pose a serious danger to chickens and other small animals. Their slender bodies allow them to slip through openings as small as one inch, making even a well-built enclosure vulnerable if not properly secured. Equipped with sharp teeth and powerful jaws, they are capable of killing prey larger than themselves. What makes them particularly dangerous is their instinct to hunt beyond hunger; weasels will often kill multiple chickens in a single night. Their nocturnal habits mean they usually strike after dark when your animals are at rest, often leaving little time to react until damage is already done.
How to Spot Weasel Activity
Common signs of weasel presence include:
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Dead chickens or small pets with bite marks at the neck.
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Missing eggs or nesting materials.
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Droppings or tracks near enclosures, especially near corners or burrowed areas.
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Disturbed bedding or feathers scattered around the coop.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to act quickly to avoid further losses.
Securing Your Chicken Coop and Pet Enclosures
Weasels are experts at finding weak points in fencing and housing. To protect your animals, take the following steps:
Reinforce entry points:
Use 1/4-inch hardware cloth instead of chicken wire. Weasels can squeeze through chicken wire with ease.
Bury fencing underground:
Install mesh fencing at least 12 inches deep and bend it outward to prevent digging under.
Seal small gaps:
Check for cracks or holes in wood panels, around doors, and under eaves. Weasels only need a tiny opening to get inside.
Lock up at night:
Always secure coops and hutches after dark, and consider installing motion-activated lights or alarms.
Keeping Your Yard Less Inviting
Reducing the appeal of your yard can go a long way in deterring weasels from approaching in the first place. These animals are drawn to areas where food and shelter are easy to find. Make sure pet and livestock feed is stored in sealed containers, and keep compost bins tightly closed. Weasels are often attracted by the presence of rodents, so controlling mice and rats is crucial. Additionally, trim back vegetation and brush around animal enclosures to eliminate hiding places and reduce cover that predators can use to stalk your pets.
When to Call for Professional Help
If a weasel has already attacked your flock or continues to threaten your animals despite prevention efforts, it’s time to call in the experts. At Critter Control of Traverse City, we provide humane and effective weasel removal, along with professional advice on how to secure your property.
Our team can identify access points, recommend custom solutions, and help prevent future invasions, so you can enjoy peace of mind and keep your pets safe.
Protect Your Animals with Confidence
Don’t let a weasel problem threaten the safety of your chickens or small pets. With proactive prevention and expert support from Critter Control of Traverse City, you can create a secure environment that keeps predators out—for good.