How to Protect your Chickens from Quolls
There are only a few areas in Australia that Quolls call home, so they may not be a threat to your flock. If you do live in an area known for Quolls, you will have to take precautions against them without putting them or your flock in danger. Quolls are an endangered species so no matter what you do, try not to hurt or kill one.
The Australian Quoll
A quoll is a small, carnivorous marsupial that can be distinguished by the pattern of its fur and sharp teeth. These sneaky critters prefer to be active at night time rather than during the day. Their diet consists mainly of small animals which unfortunately includes the chicken and its babies. They have sharp retractable claws like cats which allows them to climb trees or even your coop. Small quolls generally live for around 2 years, with larger quoll species being able to live for up to 5 years.Types Of Quolls
There are 4 known species of quoll living in various locations around Australia with the majority found in Tasmania. These 4 species are known as:- • Western Quoll: Found only in the bottom corner of Western Australia
- • Northern Quoll: Found around the coast in the top half of Australia
- • Spotted tail Quoll: Found along the East Coast of Australia but is extinct in Queensland
- • Eastern Quoll: Found only in Tasmania
How To Protect Your Flock
If you live in an area with Quolls, it is best to be prepared before you lose some of your flock. Quolls are great diggers and will often dig into your coop if given the opportunity. For this reason, you will have to make sure that your coop has a strong foundation. There are a number of ways to strengthen your coop foundations such as moving your coop onto a concrete slab, Digging a barrier around 30cm deep and filling it with concrete, bricks, wire or timber or use strong galvanised mesh as a floor in your coop. On top of all of that, you can also add some other features to help deter Quolls such as:- • A predator light
- • Electric fencing
- • An automatic chicken coop door