Kelsey’s Chicken Coop Chronicles – Keeping Your Chickens Safe from Predators

Hi friends, and welcome to the very first post on the Stella’s Rescue blog! I’m Kelsey Dolan, founder, caretaker, and resident mud-boot enthusiast. Here at Stella’s, we’re all about giving second chances to animals of every size—from floppy-eared bunnies to towering horses and plenty of clucky, quirky chickens in between. This space will be where I share farm stories, practical tips, and a little behind-the-scenes magic from life at our rescue. Whether you’re here to learn how to keep predators away from your flock or just to peek into our barnyard world, I’m glad you’re here.

The Lucy's at Stella's Rescue

Why This Matters

Nothing crushes your chicken-keeper’s heart like the aftermath of a predator visit. Whether it’s raccoons, foxes, hawks, or nighttime prowlers, we’ve learned that a combo of clever deterrents—kites, flapping shiny objects, sound devices, fencing, guardian dogs, and electric fences—can be the superhero squad your coop needs.

Let’s walk through the methods we've used at Stella’s Rescue—and how they can save your flock too.

1. Eye-Catching Kites & WACKY Waving Inflatable Tube Men

Placing bird-like kites and those goofy wacky waving inflatable tube men near the coop keeps aerial predators hesitant. Their constant motion makes them think twice—“Is that a bigger bird?”—before swooping in.

2. Shiny Objects

Repurpose foil strips, old CDs, or reflective tape. When predators see flickering light, their natural instinct is to assume something larger is nearby—so they pass on by. This non-toxic, cost-effective solution is a staple in our coop toolkit.

3. Sound-Based Deterrents: Radios & Noise Machines

At nighttime, runners like coyotes tune into silence. We leave a radio playing softly (talk or mellow tunes work great), or employ motion-activated noise machines—think sudden clicks or alarm-like pulses—to spook intruders without waking the whole barn.

4. High-Pitched Devices

Ultrasonic animal repellents emit high-frequency sound humans can’t hear—but predators definitely can. It’s like sending a secret “stay away” message they can’t ignore.

5. Guardian Dogs — and the Stories of Waylon & Winnie 🐾

My heart beats loudest when talking about the pups who stand watch. Guardian dogs—raised with poultry and trained to patrol—are loving, loyal, and fearless.

At Stella’s, our protectors are rescues themselves. Waylon, our big softie, came to us after his former home’s barn was struck by lightning. Ever since, storms send him running for a safe spot. His previous owner worked far from home and couldn’t give him the time he deserved—so Waylon joined our family.

Winnie came from a family friend who could no longer care for her. She’s gentle but determined, and has taken to her new role with the kind of pride only a true guardian can carry. Together, they’re an unbeatable team—keeping predators away from our feathered friends while still finding time for belly rubs and muddy zoomies.

6. Fencing & Electric Wire

Solid fencing that’s buried a few inches helps keep out digging predators (like raccoons), while electric poultry netting offers a clear but powerful “stay back” barrier. Together, they form a reliable fortress.

Final Thoughts from This Rescue Farm

From coast-to-coast, folks ask: “How can I protect my flock from foxes, coyotes, raccoons, hawks…?” The answer is combining multiple layers of protection—visual, sonic, physical, and furry. Use reflective deterrents, sound devices, fencing, electric netting, and guardian dogs together, and you’ve built a coop that’s predator-proof.

Here at Stella’s Rescue, we rescue the forgotten, the misfits, and the magical—and we don’t let predators steal that magic. Plus, watching those goofy tube men wobble in the breeze? That’s just good farm entertainment.

💛 If you’d like to help animals like Waylon, Winnie, and our entire barnyard crew, you can support Stella’s Rescue here:👉 Donate to Stella’s Rescue