fox decimated my flock

[Davaroo]

Quote:
Were all over that by now. Chicken people understand predator control on all levels. The choice is yours

Take a hunter safety course first. There is much to know.
Type of gun? Bolt action.
I'd like to suggest a shotgun, but most fox shooting isnt at close range.
Caliber is critical. I suggest .223 WIN, but these aren't quiet. Truth is, any gun that will cleanly take a fox isnt.
The lowest I'd go is a .22WMR, aka, the .22 Magnum.

 

[cheeptrick]

What about the Ruger .22 caliber pistol??

That is what I'm leaning toward right now...

Just found a Gun Club with shooting range and Gun safety classes locally...calling them right now.

 

[LynneP]

I think your time would be better spent creating a safe run using hardware cloth. You're assuming one fox when in fact it sounds like a family group- perhaps a vixen and cubs. You may have several dens in your area. We're surrounded by foxes that use old gold mine diggings for shelter. Separation is our only option. Check my link below to see how we're achieving this. I know that these modifications are expensive, but if you want to keep your birds and you're under attack, biosecurity (separation) is your only option.

 

[cheeptrick]

Quote:
Yes...we do have a covered, hardware cloth run attached to the coop. I free range them from time to time. I agree it may be a pack of foxes...we found 3 seperate feather piles all VERY far from each other.

DH said he was going to make a larger RUN since they are going to be IN from now on....

I think the hens KNOW....they have been keeping me abreast of when the fox comes to visit...almost EXACTLY the same time every day!! I heard all 11 hens screeching staring into the brush next to the run for 1/2 hour today...there was something THERE.

We will get started on the new run soon...and we are researching electric fences.

I enjoyed your BLOG on Foxes

 

[redchicken]

Quote:
we have had a fox come up to our house at one pm(our chickens are an acre and a half away) and he was jumping at our bunny hutch it might have rabies he had?

 

[A Carolina Chick]

So Sorry!!! :aww

 

[Just-Like-Hatching]

Quote:
If you are new to guns a pistol is not the way to go. Get a good 22 rifle and learn to shoot it first. Practice makes perfect. A good teacher is the only way to go if you want to be good with it.

 

[Davaroo]

Quote:
If you are new to guns a pistol is not the way to go. Get a good 22 rifle and learn to shoot it first. Practice makes perfect. A good teacher is the only way to go if you want to be good with it.

Take these words to heart.
The advantage of a pistol is it can be close to hand, even carried on your person. The downside is it is not as natural to hit with and is underpowered.
If foxes are your game, the .22WMR is the only rimfire to go with - and use premium hunting ammo in it.

 

[LynneP]

I'm so pleased that you're doing the needed renos. Your hens know, and understand that they are food and that you are the protectors. I'm feeling a great sense of relief for you, now, and for the foxes. I've had many encounters with them and I never know what they will do!
.

 

[c.wilson]

so sorry bout your loss. hope you catch em'...