Fox deterent?

[MetroMutt]

In the past we have spotted a fox passing in front of our house via our cameras, before we adopt our girls I was wondering if there was any deterents we could use to prevent the fox from trying to get them if he comes back. We live in a fairly urban area with houses close together (we have a fair sized yard though that our dog roams and we will be letting the chickens roam during the day) The fox is only passing to get to the river but I just want to be careful about it if theres any preventative measures I can take

 

[methew321]

In the past we have spotted a fox passing in front of our house via our cameras, before we adopt our girls I was wondering if there was any deterents we could use to prevent the fox from trying to get them if he comes back. We live in a fairly urban area with houses close together (we have a fair sized yard though that our dog roams and we will be letting the chickens roam during the day) The fox is only passing to get to the river but I just want to be careful about it if theres any preventative measures I can take

Hi, Hope you will be fine. Fox is one of the major issues in our area as well. But we have just stopped them by making fox walls and using Fence roller and prickle strips.

 

[KingD]

In the past we have spotted a fox passing in front of our house via our cameras, before we adopt our girls I was wondering if there was any deterents we could use to prevent the fox from trying to get them if he comes back. We live in a fairly urban area with houses close together (we have a fair sized yard though that our dog roams and we will be letting the chickens roam during the day) The fox is only passing to get to the river but I just want to be careful about it if theres any preventative measures I can take

I think your dog is going to be just as risky. There are numerous posts on here when dogs have attacked hens.

 

[cmom]

Since you plan on letting your flock free range in your yard, that is going to be a risk you take even with a dog. It might have a prey drive or see the birds as toys. Most predators are opportunists. They will lurk and you may never see them but they will be there looking for an opportunity. You will loose some birds sooner or later. The fox is passing by for now but probably will be looking for an opportunity once it discovers your flock and it's usually when you least expect it. Good luck and have fun...

 

[MetroMutt]

Oh I never plan to let them unsupervised, Nala also has a good record with other animals(she tends to guard them)

 

[Folly's place]

Your dog needs to have lessons concerning your chickens, because she will think of them as great new toys, at least, until she learns otherwise. When and if she learns that the chickens aren't 'fair game' she may deter some predators in your fenced yard. Having dog scent in your yard is helpful, even if she's not there with the chickens.
And you will still have losses occasionally when the flock isn't in their safe coop and run.
Mary

 

[MountainWoman73]

My dog is really useful at deterring predators. It isn't 100 percent. We keep about 16 hens and lose 2 or 3 a year, mostly to hawks and the local bobcat. We live in a rural part of the Colorado foothills. My chickens have a large fenced run that is uncovered,and they free range when it isn't gardening season. Without the dog we would see a lot more bears, foxes, bobcats, mountain lions and coyotes.

 

[MetroMutt]

Ah ok thank you! I will definitely teach Nala about the chickens, the only thing I would really need to do is have her not try herding them (she tries to herd the cats as she is a herding breed) Im glad the dog smell can help deter predators though! The only predators in my area other then the fox is birds of prey so ill likely put up some stuff for that too <3 ty for the help!

 

[cmom]

The only way to protect your birds from aerial predators is a nice covered area. A couple of times I have had a hawk kill a bird right in front of me. It happened so fast I didn't have time to react. There are several videos on threads on BYC and YouTube of hawks trying to get to birds even though they are fully enclosed in a pen or area.

 

[MetroMutt]

Ok thank you!