suggestions needed. dealing with a fox... or 2.. possibly 3

I live in quite a rural location and i've had quails and chickens in the garden for the last year or so without any being picked off by anything.

The only really dangerous predator in our area is the fox and unfortunatly in the last 2 months the vixens had a few cubs and they've started causing a nuisence.

My chickens were free range and often wondered the field beside my house without problems but one went broody in the field, dissappeared and 2 days later i found feathers so obviously mr fox had his way.

The fox is now aware of my chickens and has visited again in daylight but something spooked him (probably my hens going mental) and i saw the back end of him running into the hedge.

I've asked my relatives who are farmers and local farmers who have suggested everything from electric fences to antifreeze laced cat food and going to the toilet around my garden in an attempt to over scent them.

I obviously want and need them gone in the nicest possible way but to be honest (and i know this may upset a few) the welfare of my chickens and ducks is far more important than the foxes... (sorry)

Does anybody know any way, preferably legal, i could deal with them?

The do-gooders in the city decided to ban fox hunting and the government arent dealing with them properly so the problem i once diddent have i now have...

Any help appreciated..

thanks

Fence at least part of the property with 2x4 inch wire fencing, and remember foxes tend to burrow under fences.

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Foxes are like any predator, i.e., they dont go away. You can block access and deter them, but unless you remove them physically, they don't leave.

Since you are in the UK, I'll assume a gun is essentially out of the question. If not, include it as part of your fox war accoutrement.

Other things that have worked to one degree or another:

- A meter wide swath of kerosene/tar mix around your property's perimeter. This creates a no vegetation zone which also smells like nothing else in the locale. When Mr. Fox smells it, he gets the message... you hope.

- Electric fence wire strung 'round the perimeter. String it above the kersone/tar line fo maximum effectiveness.

- Traps. Not the "humane" live-catch ones... foxes are said to be rather too clever for those. Out in the boonies where you live, foxes are likely not starving and so they are leery of such contrivances. Instead, I refer to old fashioned leg hold traps.

- Poisons. There are all sorts of these, including the intestinal blocks. One that seems to offer a quick death is called 'Golden Malrin' here in the States. It strikes me as more humane than some of the others, if one can say that about poisoning. It might be worth looking up in the UK.

And that is the end of the short list. That you prefer to have Mr. Fox gone, instead of your chickens, is your choice. While some may disagree with you (which is their choice) it's respect-worthy that you stand by it, unapologetically.

Its still legal in the UK to shoot foxes providing u have a gun lisence which i dont unfortunatly.. i'm asking about tho.

As for poisons, its illegal here to poison them.. which to me seems unfair but i can understand because theres alot of rabbits etc that are only just getting into the swing of things after they were nearly wiped out with myximitosis.

The tarmac, new fence and electric fence are all out of the question im afraid because i rent and the landlord doesent want that kind of thing changed and i dont think i would be willing to pay for that kind of upgrade.

But i think i'll seriously consider your suggestions and hopefully i can sort these little buggers out without hippys finding out, chaining themselves to my trees and demanding i respect mother earth.

Thanks alot!

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The "tarmac" is really just kerosene and tar mixed as a liquid spray. It knocks back the weeds and leaves a scent. Its not solid like asphalt.

right.. now i'm interested..

so how do i make this? and how often would i need to re-apply? and how effective is it?

I looked up Golden Malrin and it says it is a fly bait. How do you use it for fox?

Can you ask someone who does have a license to dispatch the foxes for you?

I'd trap them (I'd go ahead and at least try one live trap) and have them shot or drown them in a big enough container of water. Or use the killing traps.

I do not like using poisons because you can poison something else that you don't want poisoned.

And I would definitely see about getting that gun license, and I'd get the ball rolling asap.

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You mix it with a bait of some sort. Strawberry jam has been recommended, and I'm certain a bit of dog food, too, would work. Something along those lines. But be careful -


I do not like using poisons because you can poison something else that you don't want poisoned.

I gotta agree here, and only offer the information about poisoning. You must be careful to keep your own animals away from the poison bait and remove it as soon as it has done its work. DO not be lax in its use.

I would prefer traps and guns, myself.

They make a live trap, with a area to hold live bait like a chicken. Fox cant get to the bait. They work great.