When should i lock up my chickens?

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Silkie Style

Silkie Style

In the Brooder
Apr 2, 2016
14
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25
I have a small flock of faverolles and silkies and intend on expanding my collection, but before getting some new additions to our flock i am uncertain when to lock them up as we usually encounter frequent siting of our local fox. We have lost 2 flocks of chickens to the fox, and i am determined on not letting this tragic incident reoccur.
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I lock mine up at dusk after they have gone to roost. Foxes do remember where they have found food. After losing flocks to foxes I would consider using fencing preferably electric, and give up on free range unless I was present. They do come out during the day.
 
Foxes are sneaky creatures, i have a friend who has chickens with electric fencing and they can leave their chickens out all night knowing they are safe from the fox. There is a risk of electrocuting your chickens though.
 
Do you mean lock them up in a run or lock them up at night? Did the fox get them at night or during the day?

If a fox can get them. so can every other predator around.
 
I have seen foxes at dusk and dawn.

What you are looking for is locking up when predators are hunting. Only you would know what is lurking, usually after losing some birds. But silkies are easiest prey, especially for Hawks.
 
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If you've already lost chickens to this particular fox, you need to keep your birds secured at all times. No free ranging until the fox is dispatched, and even then another is likely to move in.

Silkies and Faverolles aren't the most alert birds in the world, I'd think letting them range would be offering an invitation to a buffet. If you want to be able to free range or pasture, you'll need to invest in electric fencing and/or a good dog---preferably both.

And dispatch the fox.
 

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