First time...what is it?

[MillersFarm]

False. Foxes can retract their claws.

Wow, In all my years of hunting I never knew that.. I actually had to look it up to believe that. Thank you for correcting my post, However i'm still a bit skeptical.. Like what Welshies had said I would need a more clear picture of the trail..

 

[QuailExpert]

could be a coyote. at our cabin we have tracks that look just like that.

 

[Folly's place]

Your best plan may be electric fencing around their run and coop, and limiting free ranging on days when you aren't home before dark.
I have the same problem, and have had losses because of this. It's difficult to manage sometimes.
Do you have a neighbor who would lock them in?
Mary

 

[Welshies]

Wow, In all my years of hunting I never knew that.. I actually had to look it up to believe that. Thank you for correcting my post, However i'm still a bit skeptical.. Like what Welshies had said I would need a more clear picture of the trail..

It's actually quite neat. Foxes are the "dog cat" of the animal world.

 

[henaynei]

A better picture would be awesome as well as some more info. What was the damage, what protection do you use for your run or coop, etc.

Best I could get before it melted
No damage, thank G-d.
Have fenced run inside fenced yard where my dogs (not LGDs) Run frequency throughout the day and evening.
Coop is an elevated “chickshaw” that is secure and I damaged. As well the underside is barricaded against the wind on all sides.
Am saving up for electric poultry fence.

 

[henaynei]

Your best plan may be electric fencing around their run and coop, and limiting free ranging on days when you aren't home before dark.
I have the same problem, and have had losses because of this. It's difficult to manage sometimes.
Do you have a neighbor who would lock them in?
Mary

My neighbor has helped several times but has medical condition that limits her ability to walk at times.
I’m also planning on getting an automatic door for the coop.