fox decimated my flock

[ninjapoodles]

We lost 22 to a fox last month, went through all the proper channels to get a "depredation permit" from the state Game & Fish Commission, and though we spotted the fox several times (on gamecams) after the slaughter, we haven't seen it ONCE since getting the permit!

Our tragedy happened because we forgot to lock up the yard and engage the electric fence ONE night. That's all it took.

 

[SpottedCrow]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

 

[wishin4chicken]

We're still in the coop/run planning stages and I'm really glad I've had the opportunity to "learn" from all of you.

In our area, there's every predator you can think of which even includes a neighbor dog who would love to kill chickens if he ever got the chance. I was talking with husband today and he agrees. We'll put up a regular fence reinforced with an electric one. Again, sorry about your loss but thanks for sharing your experiences.

 

[Solsken Farm]

Awwww. This must have been devestating. I am sooooooo sorry.

 

[go-veggie]

So sorry to hear that! A raccoon killed and severely injured 2 of our turtles 2 months ago. It helped us get real serious about predator protection for the chcikens though. If you have a chicken tractor, you can move them around so they are always in a different spot where there's nice grass, and put wire across the floor of it since daytime attacks are possible. Ours doesn't have wire on the floor of it, but at night, they go in to the attached hutch and we close the door on it so that even if a predator got in th erun area from digging underneath it, they couldn't get in the hutch part. We just wrapped chicken wire on the top and the sides...but you could go all the way around...they'll still be able to get to the grass in between the wires and they won't have to be locked up. I can send you pics of our chicken tractor if you'd like too. Best wishes!

 

[Martinboyds]

Sorry for your loss. I too recently lost 3 hens in one afternoon to a fox. I saw him 2 days later (after the hens had to be locked up in their run) I opened up the window to shoot him and as soon as he heard the window he hauled butt. I haven't seen him since. I checked into traps on e-bay and found a fox trap,hav-a-heart, I'm not sure that it was that brand but for trap and shipping it was around $40 so I ordered one. I think I'll bait the trap w/ fried chicken. I know once he is gone another will move in to his territory but that could take some time, doesn't matter because I will leave the trap set 24/7.

 

[DDRanch]

Oh, I am so so sorry for your loss. What a terrible thing to happen. I am glad that some of them survived. So sorry....
Anne

 

[jag]

So sorry to hear this!!!! (((Hugs!!)))

 

[Jennyhaschicks]

OMG! I just noticed your post. I am so sorry. I know that when I lost two of my BRs I was upset for days. Odd that a fox would come that close at that time of day. I wonder what was up with that? I have seven GL cochins in my bator that are due to hatch at the beginning of next week. Depending on how successful my hatch goes would you be interested in taking a couple?
Once again I am so sorry. :aww Let me know if there is anything I can help you with.

 

[chicken farmer meigs]

Sorry for your lose. Ask your game worden friend if he could name a trapper for you to call. They should have the knowlege to help you rid yourself of the fox. Good luck.