I started keeping chickens about a year ago and have lost 16 hens to foxes.
My 1st set-up:
3'X4' coop w/attached 4'X12' run.
All chicken wire 4" below ground.
I thought I had a fairly secure set-up.
Foxes ripped the chicken wire right out of the ground. Got in and got three pullets.
So I dug up all the wire and re-burried it, this time using tent stakes every 8"!
Entire coop/run surrounded by railroad ties.
Railroad ties surrounded by 70-80 4"-6" river rock.
Let's see them get through that right?
The little buggers tunneled under the whole set-up. They dug a hole big enough and deep enough to drag a deer through. They slaughtered and stole all 11 hens in the coop in one night while the family was camping on Father's Day. Happy Father's Day right?
So I built a new coop.
8'X3' food & water inside. Locking doors. Since we allow them to free range during the day, I got rid of the run all together.
Also installed a 6' cedar fence around the area of the yard where the foxes were getting in.
This morning, I here a ruckus and go outside to find a fox, hen in mouth, trying to go over a 6' cedar fence. So I yell and chase him out of the yard, whilst in my underwear (27 degrees).
He dropped the bird in order to get over the fence. Of course she was dead. Best layer too. Hadn't missed a day in months!
Fresh chicken for dinner tonight.
If I have foxes that are willing and capable of going over 6' fences and tunneling holes that are 3' long and 2' deep, maybe I should just call it quits. Although, I could just lay land mines around the perimeter of the property!!!!
Suggestions?
My 1st set-up:
3'X4' coop w/attached 4'X12' run.
All chicken wire 4" below ground.
I thought I had a fairly secure set-up.
Foxes ripped the chicken wire right out of the ground. Got in and got three pullets.
So I dug up all the wire and re-burried it, this time using tent stakes every 8"!
Entire coop/run surrounded by railroad ties.
Railroad ties surrounded by 70-80 4"-6" river rock.
Let's see them get through that right?
The little buggers tunneled under the whole set-up. They dug a hole big enough and deep enough to drag a deer through. They slaughtered and stole all 11 hens in the coop in one night while the family was camping on Father's Day. Happy Father's Day right?
So I built a new coop.
8'X3' food & water inside. Locking doors. Since we allow them to free range during the day, I got rid of the run all together.
Also installed a 6' cedar fence around the area of the yard where the foxes were getting in.
This morning, I here a ruckus and go outside to find a fox, hen in mouth, trying to go over a 6' cedar fence. So I yell and chase him out of the yard, whilst in my underwear (27 degrees).
He dropped the bird in order to get over the fence. Of course she was dead. Best layer too. Hadn't missed a day in months!
Fresh chicken for dinner tonight.
If I have foxes that are willing and capable of going over 6' fences and tunneling holes that are 3' long and 2' deep, maybe I should just call it quits. Although, I could just lay land mines around the perimeter of the property!!!!
Suggestions?