Fox attack :-(

[Frenchchickens123]

Hi all,

I'm hoping some of you experienced chicken keepers can give me some advice. I had a fox break in to the coop and killed all but one of my chickens and all except one of my ducklings :-( I am very heartbroken but am worried about the fox coming during the day... This attack happened at night but obviously if the fox can't get into the coop anymore he may try during the day. Their coop sits in a small paddock about 15 maybe 20 meters from our back garden and they free range in the paddock with our sheep. The field behind the paddock has our horses and ram. I was hoping the ram and horses will keep foxy away but they can be so sneaky! The only thing i can think of is letting them free range in the paddock when I'm here and if I go out let them come into the garden with the dog. I would have like to do a small pen with electric fencing but my partner doesn't want the extra cost as we just moved here and will not be staying that long. At the moment my chicken and duck are staying in the shed next to the house and free range in the garden but I would like to get some more chickens but don't want them all in the garden 24/7. Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I am not planning to get more chickens just for them to get taken by the fox. Thanks in advance

 

[Chuck]

Sorry for your loss.

If there are foxes around, they will attack in the daytime as well especialy when they have young to feed. I've noticed over the years that if foxes get into a pen or coop, it sets off a killing frenzy in them. If the hens are free range, they pick off one at a time which can be just as bad over a period but at least you don't get to face all those wasted carcasses. Many people use electrified poultry netting (not me though) and seem to find it successful. It can be rolled up and taken to a new place if necessary so apart for the initial outlay, would be a good investment.

 

[chrismahon]

Very sorry to hear that Frenchchickens. I know from experience how upsetting it is. I also know it will be back repeatedly until the 'food' is removed.

We've had many discussions here of late on effective defences against foxes. There have been similar dicussions on the accidentalsmallholder forum as well. There are plenty of old remedies but what people fail to realise is that foxes have evolved rapidly recently with changes to hunting law and protection, even encouragement, in town to the extent that they will hunt night and day without fear of man. Their numbers are growing alarmingly and of all the defences I only think a solid electrified fence will be completely reliable. The suggestion of Chuck's is the best one -a mobile fence you can take with you. But they are not very high and I have had a fox in our garden clear a 5' 6" wall without touching it.

My advice would be to keep them in the garden, if it is secure. I wouldn't buy many more until you have moved and can set up a proper enclosure.

 

[Chuck]

The thing that I can never quite come to terms with and why I've never invested in poultry netting is how come foxes don't jump it ? Plenty of people use it and swear by it but I too have had foxes scramble over 5' pens but perhaps they need a little help and do scramble rather than jump.

 

[foxy]

The thing that I can never quite come to terms with and why I've never invested in poultry netting is how come foxes don't jump it ? Plenty of people use it and swear by it but I too have had foxes scramble over 5' pens but perhaps they need a little help and do scramble rather than jump.

I agree, however what I have learnt, by observing Mr Fox at the fence itself, is with all walls the fox approaches muzzle first, then usually will climb after exploring the area. When the fox investigates they get the shock. When we have had snow, I have noticed fox prints around the fence but no closer than around 2 feet. I even have a photo somewhere of the fox walking straight past (in daylight) part of our fence and ignoring it.

 

[karminski]

i have farmer friend that use leccy poultry fencing and 100 foxes could be hiding in his garden and you would not even notice 1 of them and hes never ever had an attack so maybe it does work ,i would like to use it has added prtection but i have been told by other plot holders not to use leccy fencing as it would interfer with thier radio gadgets they work with in thier garden sheds 05 05 no i dont think so it only runs of a car battery :lol:

 

[Chuck]

Yes, snow does give you the best idea on what foxes get up to. Tend to forget it when the snow melts though.