If you’re raising backyard chickens and notice a groundhog nearby, you might wonder—are your birds in danger? Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, can be destructive to gardens and property, but what about poultry? Let’s clear up the facts about groundhogs and whether they pose a threat to chickens.
Do Groundhogs Eat Chickens?
No, groundhogs do not eat chickens. Groundhogs are herbivores, which means they eat only plant-based foods. Their diet consists mainly of:
- Grasses and weeds
- Vegetables (like lettuce, beans, and carrots)
- Fruits (like berries and apples)
- Tree bark and clover
They don’t have the teeth, hunting instinct, or digestive system for meat. So if you find a dead or missing chicken, it’s highly unlikely a groundhog is to blame.
Can Groundhogs Harm Chickens Indirectly?
While groundhogs won’t attack or eat chickens, they can cause other issues that may impact your flock’s safety.
1. Burrowing Under Coops
Groundhogs dig large tunnels and may burrow under chicken coops. These holes can weaken foundations or create entry points for real predators like:
- Foxes
- Weasels
- Raccoons
2. Attracting Predators
In some cases, a groundhog’s presence or abandoned burrow might attract other animals. Predators looking for food or shelter may take over the burrow and pose a danger to your chickens.
3. Competing for Food
Groundhogs may enter the chicken run to eat leftover vegetables, chicken feed, or treats. While they won’t harm your chickens, their presence can lead to contamination or stress among your birds.
What Might Be Eating Your Chickens?
If your chickens are disappearing or showing signs of injury, here are the more likely culprits:
- Raccoons: Smart, agile, and known for killing chickens by biting their heads
- Foxes: Quick predators that can carry chickens away
- Hawks or owls: Often snatch chickens during free range time
- Snakes: May eat eggs or small chicks
How to Protect Chickens from Groundhogs (and Others)
1. Secure the Coop and Run
- Install a wire mesh barrier around and beneath your coop to block digging animals
- Use hardware cloth instead of chicken wire—it’s stronger and harder to chew through
- Make sure all doors and latches close tightly at night
2. Keep the Area Clean
- Remove leftover food scraps daily
- Keep feed in sealed containers
- Clear tall grass and brush that may provide cover for burrowing animals
3. Close Off Burrows
If you spot a groundhog burrow near your coop, wait until you’re sure it’s empty, then seal it with gravel and heavy soil. This prevents reuse or takeover by predators.
Need help estimating the cost to remove a groundhog or secure your coop? Try this free pest control calculator to get a quick cost estimate based on your location and situation.
FAQs About Groundhogs and Chickens
Can groundhogs bite or attack chickens?
It’s extremely rare. Groundhogs are shy and prefer to run from confrontation. They’re not aggressive toward chickens or other animals unless cornered.
Will groundhogs eat chicken eggs?
No, they don’t eat eggs. If you’re missing eggs, it’s likely due to snakes, rats, or raccoons—not groundhogs.
What do I do if a groundhog is living near my coop?
Use repellents or humane traps to encourage the groundhog to leave. Once it’s gone, seal the burrow to prevent re-entry. For safety and efficiency, consider getting help from a professional pest control service.
Use this pest control cost calculator to figure out what removal might cost.
Conclusion
Groundhogs do not eat chickens—they’re plant-eaters, not predators. However, their burrowing behavior can create risks around your coop by weakening structures or opening the door for other, more dangerous animals.
To keep your chickens safe, monitor for burrows, secure your setup, and consider humane removal if needed. If you’re unsure what it might cost to get professional help, use this free cost estimator and take the guesswork out of your decision.
Leave a Reply