fox decimated my flock

[arlee453]

You could also bait a live trap with the bodies and then you have a clean shot for a quick and humane kill for the fox... just a suggestion.

If you shoot like I do, that would be the most humane way to dispatch the fox - humane trap first, then a quick shot to the back of the head.

 

[dangerouschicken]

You should strongly consider 1/2 or 1/4 inch hardware cloth runs for your birds. I think it is terrible what happened to your chickens. Shooting the fox won't stop other predators from doing the same thing at another time. The best thing you can do is make sure nothing will get to them again.

 

[bangor777]

I agree, but what does a fox sized trap cost?? I'll look into that tomorrow. I also did a little research and it sounds like people don't generally have success with traps and foxes (maybe that's why they say wiley as a fox) Anyone ever trap one? if so, with what?

This is awful, I feel so terrible for the chicks. Fox didn't even eat them all, killed them and left them!

 

[kray]

I'm sorry for your loss...Are you planning to build a run with a fenced in top? Our chicken run/house is built so nothing can get in. It has a fence on top, fenced completely around, with the fence buried a foot in the ground. Knock on wood, we've never had a problem with predators.

 

[bangor777]

I know that if I fence them top, bottom and sides that they will be safer, but I truly love free ranging. my mom is homebound, uses a walker, the chickens are on the front porch with her (they're own choice, that's where they like to hang out) and its a wonderful thing. The older free ranging chickens were the only ones who survived, they were on the deck with my mom while the fox was doing it's job in the coop.

Thank you for the suggestions though, I know that is the ultimate answer to predation.

 

[PineBurrowPeeps]

If you're shooting from a distance you want to aim for the chest area or ribcage if from the side. Too much distance between you and the fox will leave way too much room for error if you try and aim for his head.
If you get up close then by all means aim for the head...

I'm sorry this happened to you :aww

My neighbor down the road lost almost his whole flock of 30 to foxes at the very beginning of the year. They were coming in broad daylight more often than not and picking off two and three at a time, sometimes right in front of him. He used to free range too. Now he only lets them out if he's around to watch.

I have been told recently that there is a fox den at the corner of the road up the way from me. I am watching and waiting. I have taken up archery since I live in such a quiet area I like the idea of being able to do away with a pred without the entire neighborhood knowing about it from hearing the gunshot. I have neighbors very close on one side and they are cop callers for the littlest things, that would be the last thing I'd need...

Good luck with your fox.
I agree that you really should beef up your run though. I have my run made from 2X4's and 1/2" hardware cloth. I do not have it buried in the ground though because we rotate
the area of the run weekly (a tractor without wheels situation lol) but so far I have no problems with anything trying to get in *knocks on wood*. We have alot of hawks around here and they circle sometimes but none have tried to dive at them or anything.

 

[mmajw]

Have a heart trap if you are worried that you pets may get into it. When you trap the fox either shot it or poison it or drown it.

It may have babies or friends so even if you catch one leave the trap out there and try to get more before they get your babies again.

 

[joebryant]

OMG, that's horrible. Sorry that you're still having to go through all this. Best of luck putting a bullet between the eyes of that fox.

 

[Davaroo]

Quote:
Joe, you crack me up!

 

[cheeptrick]

Could a pellet gun work?

I went the trapping way...NO go...never got into the trap. Had to return it...I got it from the Humane Society...couldn't keep it on loan for a year!! lol

We found fox holes all over...put kerosene soaked rags in all the holes...a trapper told me to do this. Still he got 4 of ours.

I'm going to go the gun route...but do not want anything too lethal or LOUD around my children.

Any hints about type of guns?? I'm a complete beginner and would need gun safety classes etc.

Hope I didn't turn this thread into a GUN control debate!!