Identify possible entry points
Snakes and small predators often take advantage of discreet gaps. Walk around the poultry house in daylight and check the joins between the walls and the floor, the bottom of the doors, the corners, the ventilation openings and the passages for pipes or cables. A crack, a hole around a pipe or a loose grille needs to be repaired quickly.
Also check the roof and the spaces beneath the eaves. Openings intended for ventilation must remain protected by sturdy wire mesh, firmly fixed and with no torn sections. Check the fastenings regularly: a grille may seem to be in place while still leaving a gap at the wall.
Reinforce the doors and surrounding areas
Close the chicken coop doors as soon as the poultry have gone inside, and check that they meet the ground properly. If a gap is still visible underneath, fit suitable, sturdy protection. Hatches, small gates and access to the feed store must also be kept closed.
Around the building, keep the grass short and remove piles of wood, debris and objects where an animal could hide. Avoid storing feed bags against the walls. Food scraps and scattered seeds can attract rodents, which in turn attract some predators. Store feed in closed containers and clean the storage areas.
Check the drains and drainage outlets: they must not become entry routes. Protect the openings while preserving water drainage and good ventilation in the building.
Establish a regular inspection routine
At the beginning and end of the day, check the surrounding areas: look for a displaced grille, unusual tracks or damage to a door. After heavy rain or nearby work, inspect again, as the ground and protective barriers may shift.
If you see a snake, do not try to catch or kill it. Keep people and animals away, maintain a safe distance and contact someone competent in your locality. If any poultry are injured or show unusual behaviour after an intrusion, ask the local veterinarian for advice.
Take action without delay
Note the weak points you identify, repair them and make this check part of your poultry farming routine. In Côte d'Ivoire, a well-secured chicken coop, clear surroundings and clean storage reduce the chances of intrusion: walk around your building today and secure every visible entry point.
--- *Source: NEXTEKCI — In-house expertise — summary and analysis by NEXTEKCI.*