If you’ve ever spotted a critter wobbling across your yard at night or climbing a tree with babies clinging to its back, you might have thought, “What is that thing?” Depending on where you live, your answer could be a possum or an opossum. Confusing? You’re not alone – this mix-up gets even the most seasoned backyard chicken owners scratching their heads.

Let’s clear the air about possums and opossums while ensuring your chickens stay safe from these curious creatures.

Possum vs. Opossum: What’s the Difference?

When I first got into backyard chicken keeping, I remember freaking out when I saw a small, furry animal near my coop. A quick search told me it could be a possum – or was it an opossum? Turns out, the distinction is pretty simple:

Possums are native to Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands. You won’t find them in the Americas. Whereas, Opossums found in North and South America. If you’re in the U.S., it’s likely an opossum.

What They Look Like: Picture Possums with soft fur, round ears, and bushy tails that make them look almost like a small, cuddly teddy bear. Think bushy tails and fluffy, koala-like cuteness. On the other hand, opossums a little scruffier, with a rat-like tail and sharp teeth. They have a “don’t-mess-with-me” look.

Possums are mostly herbivores, nibbling on fruits, leaves, and flowers. Opossums are Omnivores – they’ll eat just about anything, including insects, carrion, and yes, potentially chicken eggs.

Are Possums or Opossums a Threat to Your Chickens?

When I started raising chickens, one of my biggest fears was predators. Would something sneak in and harm them? Here’s the lowdown on possums and opossums when it comes to your flock:

Do Opossums Eat Chickens or Eggs?

Yes, opossums are opportunistic feeders. They will eat eggs and may attack weak or young chickens if given the chance. Although they prefer scavenging over hunting, they won’t hesitate to prey on easy targets. For instance, I once caught an opossum sneaking into my coop – it was after leftover feed, not the chickens, but eggs could have been next.

Do Possums Eat Chickens or Eggs?

Not typically. Possums are herbivores and generally avoid animal prey. However, in extreme food shortages, they might scavenge eggs, although this behavior is uncommon. Are They Dangerous?

Hardly. Possums are more of a nuisance than a threat. They might enter coops out of curiosity or to forage for scraps, potentially stressing your chickens.

How I Protect My Chickens

Over the years, I’ve learned these methods to keep both possums and opossums away from my flock:

Secure the Coop

Reinforce coops with hardware cloth instead of chicken wire. The small gaps make it harder for predators to squeeze through. Inspect the coop for holes or weak points regularly. Even tiny gaps can invite trouble. Use sturdy locks. Opossums are surprisingly clever and can manipulate simple latches.

Remove Temptations

Store chicken feed in airtight containers to prevent the smell from attracting nocturnal animals. Collect eggs daily to avoid tempting opossums or other predators. Keep the area clean by removing food scraps or spilled feed.

Install Motion-Activated Lights

Both possums and opossums dislike bright lights. Motion-activated lights scare them away when they approach the coop.

Use Humane Traps

For persistent opossums, humane traps work well. Bait them with irresistible treats like canned pet food, and relocate them far from your property.

Consider Electric Fencing

Electric fencing can deter nocturnal animals like opossums without harming them. This is especially useful for large properties.

Are They a Danger Beyond Predation?

Here’s something I learned the hard way: both possums and opossums can carry diseases. Their droppings or saliva can contaminate chicken feed or water, potentially spreading illnesses like salmonella. To minimize this risk:

Keep feed and water covered. Clean the coop and surrounding area regularly. Monitor chickens for signs of stress or illness.

Understanding whether you’re dealing with a possum or an opossum is the first step to protecting your flock. Opossums in the Americas pose a bigger threat to chickens, while possums in Australia are generally harmless. Either way, keeping your coop secure and removing attractants is key.

At the end of the day, these animals are just doing what comes naturally. By taking a few precautions, you can keep your chickens safe and enjoy the occasional wildlife encounter without worry.

Add comment

Magzine Story © 2025. All rights reserved.

Viral stories from Magazine Story, where breaking news meets the latest trends.