Am I doing something wrong!?!

[Anonymous]

Hmmmmn,I'm not really a fox fanatic.I would not deliberately torture or terrorise one,but,if one came into my garden I would want to kill it.

I did have another thought lucylou,that might be something worth considering.I have seen on some poultry forums,enclosed runs where the top is covered by mesh.I realise these are very expensive,but,is your partner a handyman,or,a neighbour or other family member?
Maybe if you bought the mesh etc.someone you know would fix it so your run is completely enclosed.
Even if you do pay them for the work,it may well be a lot cheaper than buying one.

Also,with your run,where you're concerned about it being fixed,so your hens are not wandering around for Reynard to feast on,would it be possible to split it in two,so you could rotate the ground.
I appreciate you told us the dimensions,and,you probably have already thought of these options,so my apologies if you have and they are impractical.

 

[Lucylou]

Hi Lydia, Yes, the run is roofed now & I keep a close eye on the fence daily to make sure there haven't been any attempts to break-in. They are also locked in their coup at night for double security. I have heard about other precautions, don't know if they're 'old wives tales' , like human hair & dogs & humans wee around the perimeter as a deterrent (the dog will oblige but not sure about the OH )

I've thought about the possibility of dividing the run & might see if its feasable, (its on a slope & slightly uneven ground so might not be poss) but after reading advice on here think it might be a good thing to do.

 

[Tim]

Yes - another option is Lion's dung :lol:

We live close to a Safari Park and some people actually collect it to spread around - the fox won't come anywhere near!

Dividing the run is a good idea - it really helps to break the cycle for worms and also gives the ground a chance to re-grow and stay a little green.

Tim

 

[Anonymous]

Yes,I've heard that any large cat's droppings will keep foxes or smaller domestic cats out of a garden,but,unless you live close to a zoo or safari park it isn't viable.

It sounds as if you've got the fox problem sorted Lucylou,well done it must have been a nightmare.It must be something though that unfortunately all chicken keepers can understand .