Opossums

The opossum is referred to interchangeably as "possum". Opossums are not rodents, unlike what many people think, and they are not likely to be rabid. They are the only marsupial species that is endemic to North America. They are mostly scavengers, and despite their intimidating look, they rarely do anything. They are not powerful diggers and are not as cunning as other predators like raccoons or foxes, so they are unlikely to get inside a safe coop. However, they are adept climbers and will quickly penetrate an inadequately protected coop or run.

Opossums often prefer not to have to battle for their food and will hunt for eggs, chicks, or hens that are dumb enough to roost nearby. Targets for predators include chickens that roost on or near the ground, in sheds, or on nests. Opossums prefer to begin their meal with the soft underbelly, therefore hens who are still alive but have had their feathers removed on their belly or rear end may have been the target of an opossum attack. Additionally, opossums are thought to be responsible for the abdominal cavities of dead chicken corpses.

Opossums are fairly simple to protect yourself from and are often thought of as the least dangerous predators. Opossums are considered to be more aggressive and tenacious in some areas of the country when they are overpopulated, notably on the West Coast where they are not native. Although opossum may readily destroy a broody hen's nest of eggs or chicks in a single night, they typically only kill adult birds one at a time.