Lock animals inside shelters from dusk to dawn

Close and secure all coop, hutch, and barn doors every evening before dark and do not open them until after sunrise. Most predator attacks on backyard animals happen at night or during the twilight hours of dusk and dawn.

Why It Works

The majority of backyard predators — raccoons, foxes, coyotes, owls, opossums, and weasels — are nocturnal or crepuscular (active at dawn/dusk). A secure, enclosed shelter is the single most effective predator defense because it removes the opportunity entirely during peak hunting hours.

Tips

• Automated coop doors with light sensors or timers can ensure consistent lockup even if you are away
• Make lockup a non-negotiable daily routine — most losses happen on the one night you forget
• Ensure the shelter itself is fully secured (hardware cloth, predator-proof latches) before relying on it