Daytime fox hanging around

[LadyA]

Several times now, I've had a very cheeky fox out on the lawn by my back door, any time from mid morning to afternoon. Grubbing holes in the lawn.
My hens are in a large pen (approx 70×45 ft), with a galvanised chain link fence. However, the fence is only around 5ft. I know zero about electric fencing, and am completely baffled by instructions about insulators, earth rods, clips, stripping wire, etc.
I've thought about maybe putting an outward angled extension to the top of the fence, but can't find the angled "arms" anywhere online - and don't know what they're called, which is mainly why I suppose. The existing fence is attached to 2×4 wooden posts, and doesn't have a top bar.
In fairness, the fox has made no move to the hens at all. She looks well fed. But, it is a fox! The hens are in a secure run from early evening.
There's always been foxes living here, I've known they were there, but they've never been seen during the day before.
Any advice? I don't have a gun of any kind, and although I could get a trap online, with the lockdown, I can't travel to release it far away. Some have suggested feeding it well away from the hens, so it won't need to hunt, especially in daylight. Any ideas?

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[Margaid]

This is probably quite expensive but can be fitted to an existing fence. https://purrfectfence.co.uk/

This is another possibility. https://protectapet.com/protectapet-cat-fence-barrier/

I searched for cat fence barrier

This is a fascinating publication! I jumped to page 112 which is specifically about fox-proof fences - there are 3 relevant pages which is why I'm not posting the document! The whole document is 161 pages long!

https://www.rspb.org.uk/globalassets/downloads/science-publications/predator-exclusion-fencing-manual-v3-2019.pdf

 

[LadyA]

Thanks, Margaid. The purrfect fence actually looks like something I'd love to have for my two special needs cats, who can't be allowed out at all!

I might think about that extension system - or a cheaper, Home made version, for the chicken pen. It's something I could work on bit by bit.

**Starts saving pennies!**

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[Tweetypie]

LadyA

I know what you mean about the angled security deterrents, although this one looks pretty good. I also saw a comment on there, which I will copy and paste below the link

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07JG7NL6Z/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?pd_rd_i=B07JG7NL6Z&pd_rd_w=dz9VQ&pf_rd_p=1055d8b2-c10c-4d7d-b50d-96300553e15d&pd_rd_wg=J24us&pf_rd_r=Y62DD2RJRDWGQQ6T2AYP


5.0 out of 5 stars Only Fox Deterrent that has worked for me
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 31 March 2020
Item Package Quantity: 16Verified Purchase
Between me and my neighbour, we have tried so many fox deterrent products over the last year since having fox cubs destroy both of our gardens, and none worked. Until we tried these fence spikes. Since the spikes have been attached to the tops of our fences, neither of us has had one visit from a fox. I know it has only been say 3 weeks, but the foxes were coming in numerous times a day. This has stopped and we are so grateful. Long may it continue.

 

[Margaid]

It would depend on how far apart Lady A's fence posts are Tweetypie as the little support posts would be needed as her fence doesn't have a top rail.

As a cat servant I would never use spiky things as they could cause injury and may also prevent birds perching on the fence top - a purely personal observation and not a criticism ...

 

[LadyA]

LadyA

I know what you mean about the angled security deterrents, although this one looks pretty good. I also saw a comment on there, which I will copy and paste below the link

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07JG7NL6Z/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?pd_rd_i=B07JG7NL6Z&pd_rd_w=dz9VQ&pf_rd_p=1055d8b2-c10c-4d7d-b50d-96300553e15d&pd_rd_wg=J24us&pf_rd_r=Y62DD2RJRDWGQQ6T2AYP


5.0 out of 5 stars Only Fox Deterrent that has worked for me
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 31 March 2020
Item Package Quantity: 16Verified Purchase
Between me and my neighbour, we have tried so many fox deterrent products over the last year since having fox cubs destroy both of our gardens, and none worked. Until we tried these fence spikes. Since the spikes have been attached to the tops of our fences, neither of us has had one visit from a fox. I know it has only been say 3 weeks, but the foxes were coming in numerous times a day. This has stopped and we are so grateful. Long may it continue.

Even if they were suitable, they won't deliver to Ireland.

 

[Tweetypie]

Awwww that sucks!