A fox NOT attacking my hens?

[smoore7489]

So...the past few weeks we have noticed a fox hanging out around here. The first time we saw it was at night and he laid on our front porch and slept. Of course I went our and scared him/her off because I didnt want to take a chance of them getting to the chickens while I slept. Then we saw it again in mid day trotting in our yard WHILE MY CHICKENS WERE FREE RANGING. It paid them no mind whatsoever. Theres no telling how many times it has been around my chickens without my knowledge. Saw it again today and once again, paid them no mind. What is going on here? Its been months since the first time I saw him. And hes just hanging around not doing any harm. I know foxes are a HUGE threat to chickens (so i hear) and this is bizarre to me.

 

[Kiki]

Are you sure it is a fox?
Can you take a picture of it?

 

[The Phantom]

Can you get a picture

 

[smoore7489]

Fyi it is a red fox

 

[smoore7489]

Are you sure it is a fox?
Can you take a picture of it?

Positive. I will try and get a picture next time. Its so weird

 

[The Phantom]

Is it sick?

 

[smoore7489]

Not that I have noticed. Today I watched it for 15 or so minutes while it trotted around. Seemed perfectly healthy. Good weight and not sluggish.

 

[The Phantom]

Weird

 

[R2elk]

So...the past few weeks we have noticed a fox hanging out around here. The first time we saw it was at night and he laid on our front porch and slept. Of course I went our and scared him/her off because I didnt want to take a chance of them getting to the chickens while I slept. Then we saw it again in mid day trotting in our yard WHILE MY CHICKENS WERE FREE RANGING. It paid them no mind whatsoever. Theres no telling how many times it has been around my chickens without my knowledge. Saw it again today and once again, paid them no mind. What is going on here? Its been months since the first time I saw him. And hes just hanging around not doing any harm. I know foxes are a HUGE threat to chickens (so i hear) and this is bizarre to me.

When it comes to the world of animals there are all sorts of oddities. Years ago I had a neighbor with ducks. A red fox would come in daily and lay down with the ducks. The ducks were fine with the fox and at least for that summer it did not harm any of the ducks. This is not normal fox behavior and I told him that I would not put any trust in the fox always not harming the ducks.

 

[smoore7489]

Its so strange. Only thing I can think of is its acting as if its a farmer or something. Just keeping them comfortable until needed. But I have always heard and experienced that a fox does not wait it out. It goes for the kill when it gets the chance. So strange.