Do Groundhogs Eat Chickens? [How Dangerous Are They?]

It’s groundhog day. Quite literally. Today we are going to be taking a closer look at whether these rodents, native to the squirrel family and otherwise known as woodchucks, pose any significant risk to your flock of chickens. Besides, while most squirrels are harmless, groundhogs are a little different and they are certainly a lot larger.

So, do groundhogs eat chickens? Groundhogs do not eat chickens, are instead mostly vegetarians and plant-eaters. While they have been known to eat small insects at times, they will not go after or hunt your flock.

That being said, groundhogs are pests and are a real nuisance to any chicken keeper. And while they will not kill your chickens, they still can pose a threat.

And it can be quite a significant one depending on where they have been and what they are carrying.

So, they do need to be taken seriously.

Especially if you know they are residing on your property, there is evidence of them, or if you know you have quite a few in your area.

They are commonly found in North America, after all.

There is not a saying, or a film, for no reason. In fact, the meaning of the term relates specifically to when these rodents come out of their holes at the end of hibernation.

Anyway.

Let us now take a closer look at how dangerous these large wild ground squirrels can be to your birds, before looking at exactly how to keep them away.

For good.

Are Groundhogs Dangerous To Chickens?

Groundhogs are not directly dangerous to chickens. However, they can dig burrows, potentially compromising chicken pen security and allowing actual predators easier access. Monitor burrowing activity to protect chickens and their environment.

Although groundhogs will not attempt to kill or eat your chickens, their risk is twofold:

1. They can compromise your chicken pen security
2. They can steal your chicken’s feed.
3. They can carry diseases.

Compromising Chicken Pen Security

Their desire to burrow can unintentionally pose a risk to your birds.

Here’s how

• Burrow Entrances: Groundhog burrows often have multiple entrances and exits. These can inadvertently provide access points for predators such as foxes, raccoons, or even stray dogs. Such animals, if they discover these openings, can easily sneak into a chicken pen and wreak havoc.
• Pen Stability: Continuous burrowing near or under the chicken coop can weaken its foundation. Over time, this could cause structural issues, making the coop less secure against larger, more determined predators or even leading to its collapse.
• Chicken Injuries: Open burrows can be hazardous for free-ranging chickens. They might accidentally step into a hole, potentially causing sprains or broken legs.
• Resource Competition: While not a direct threat, groundhogs might nibble on the same greens or food sources you provide for your chickens, leading to competition.

Stealing Food and Feed

Groundhogs can be quite the scavengers. They are wild animals that need to eat, after all.

Many foods that we offer our chickens, whether it be pellets, fruits and vegetables, are also quite enticing. Besides they are vegetarians.

And like many wild animals that rely on their senses to remain safe and live off the land – they have a very keen sense of smell.

So, if you leave any food out regularly or your feeders can easily be accessed – chances are local groundhogs will stop by to visit.

And they’ll eat a lot of food.

Not ideal.

Not only can this be immensely costly, but it can also leave your chickens without enough food.

Especially when we consider the pecking order, and those at the bottom tend to eat last.

So, we certainly should allow it. Even if the thought of providing for nature is something you like the idea of.

Start this process off, and it will only get worse.

Believe me.

Parasites and Disease

Secondly, as wild animals, groundhogs can and do carry fleas and ticks.

Not only can these parasites be passed on to your flock, causing a whole host of issues there – but these parasites can also carry diseases.

 Lyme and Powassan and perhaps the two to be most aware of.

And these can be passed to chickens, and onto humans too. So certainly a worry.

They are also known carriers of the rabies virus so you really do need to be careful.

Especially in your approach to keeping them away from your property.

With these three factors firmly in mind, we can quite confidently say that groundhogs pose a risk to you and your flock – and must be kept away.

What Time Of Day Do Groundhogs Feed?

Groundhogs most commonly feed in the early morning, soon after the sun rises.

It is during this time that they will use their keen sense of smell to forage for vegetation, which will include a variety of grasses.

When they are not out feeding, they are known to sunbathe and keep warm using the heat of the sun.

Groundhogs sleep at night and are active during the day, making them diurnal animals and sharing similar patterns to us humans.

So, consider these feeding patterns in mind when feeding your flock.

As your chickens will too eat at the start of each new day, you do need to be careful during this time.

How To Keep Groundhogs Away From Chickens

To keep groundhogs away from chickens: install underground fencing, use repellents, maintain a tidy environment, eliminate food temptations, and employ humane live traps for relocation.

If they have done so, then it will be slightly more challenging.

Nevertheless, let us now take a closer look at how you can approach it either way.

Deter Via Their Burrows

Burrows are small underground tunnels where groundhogs live.

These tunnels have multiple entrances and exits and are not the type of thing you want in your backyard.

Not only will you have to constantly deal with groundhogs stealing your chicken scraps, but they will also destroy all your plants.

If you find groundhog burrows in your garden…

Here’s what to do…

Use An Ammonia Solution

If you’re looking for the best way to get rid of groundhogs once and for all, then pouring ammonia down their burrow holes won’t let you down.

It stops them from wanting to return to the burrow, and actively look elsewhere.

Ammonia is a gas composed of nitrogen and hydrogen atoms.

It has a distinct odor that will scare groundhogs away, preventing your chicken scraps from being stolen, and your backyard from being destroyed.

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