Where'd the foxes go

[KDMcM]

Here in the Midlands, in small towns we have what I think is a surprising number of foxes. I was sceptical about installing my chickens, as my trail cam revealed that we had foxes in our garden maybe every other nigh. I suspect a family live nearby as they were often two at a time.

Since I put the chickens out in the coop (about 3 months ago) I've only had foxes the once. Have they all gone somewhere warmer for the winter?

the one thing (apart from the weather) which has changed is that I installed a camera with an infrared lamp. Could that be what's keeping the foxes away?

 

[Warwick Lad]

I installed an electric fence around our new arrivals last week, not taking any chances down in Warwick, tested the fence when it was switched on and it's belting out 6000 volts.

As to where they are I'm not sure, maybe found a food supply somewhere?? could be they can see the infrared?? lets hope they stay away 17


BJ

 

[Marigold]

That’s a relief, BJ. Well done - I hope they’ll stay safe now, and have a happy Christmas, not one for the foxes! I hope you’ve recovered from testing it out?

 

[Warwick Lad]

I hope you’ve recovered from testing it out?

I caught a shock off an E F when I was about 16 on the farm....that was the one & only time... :lol: now I use a tester. 17

BJ

 

[KDMcM]

The voltage generator for an electric fence doesn't seem that expensive. I know nothing about them, though. Since the foxes allegedly like to bite through chicken wire, can I simply electrify the chicken wire? Or do I need to put an additional fence outside the run?

 

[KDMcM]

can I simply electrify the chicken wire? Or do I need to put an additional fence outside the run?

Actually, that's a silly question, isn't it? The fence needs to be isolated from the ground...

 

[Warwick Lad]

It's straight forward mate...take a look here........https://www.google.com/search?q=electric+fence+wire&tbm=isch&chips=q:electric+fence+wire,g_1:diagram:8oG8zNbS5Y8%3D&client=firefox-b-d&hl=en-GB&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj02-Od9u_0AhXigHMKHVGGDKMQ4lYoAXoECAEQEw&biw=1349&bih=615

The voltage generator for an electric fence doesn't seem that expensive.

I bought ours off Amazon £50.........https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01DO9JL5I/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Since the foxes allegedly like to bite through chicken wire,

They may be able to bit through thin cheap chicken wire, they will soon find out it doesn't pay to mess with 6000 volts 17

can I simply electrify the chicken wire? Or do I need to put an additional fence outside the run?

I've fixed ours about 18" out from the run so if foxy does get over the 6' fence he will run straight into 4 lines of wire from 6" off the ground unto nearly 3'. It only needs to be....say 6" to 9" out with as many strands of wire as you wish, go to Screwfix for that....https://www.screwfix.com/p/stockshop-electric-fence-polywire-orange-3mm-x-250m/2200f

Buy a pack of these...and your good to go.. 17 ...https://www.screwfix.com/p/stockshop-screw-in-ring-insulators-25-pack/7501f

Hope this help??
BJ.

 

[Marigold]

If you don’t want to have to string several lines of wire you might consider electrifiable chicken netting see https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Petween-Electric-Netting-Poultry-Chicken/dp/B08CGCNXR6/ref=sr_1_25?keywords=Electrifiable+chicken+netting&qid=1639921987&sr=8-25

 

[KDMcM]

Hope this help??

Absolutely does!

 

[Margaid]

I used a similar product for my hens, 100m in total. Put a strip of Damp Proof Membrane (can get it in narrow rolls from builder's merchants/Screwfix etc ) underneath the bottom wire and it won't short out. Because it was some distance away but visible from the window, I bought a fence alert which showed me that it was working. I occasionally forgot to reconnect it when after I'd fed them in the evening.

My problem was mink, not foxes so eventually I had to stop them free ranging, but 100 metres of netting makes a pretty big enclosure!

 

[RheaIyer]

If they haven’t had an easy meal, they may have moved on to easier hunting grounds. But foxes are opportunistic and could return!