Fox! Help! (Maryland)

[Jenngarman]

Hello, all...I have to admit, I have been a lurker for several years. Everyone here is so knowledgeable and friendly!

I finally raised a bunch (11) of day-olds a couple of years ago. I live on one acre, backing up to woods...read everything I could to make the coop is secure, and included a secure run (but only 6X14). So, I let them free-range in a fenced-in area during the day...I even got a roo, too, after one disappointing afternoon with a hawk, thinking he might deter.

Two and a half years, (almost, except for the hawk) no problems. Then, last Saturday, I let them out, like always, at about 7:30AM...by 7:50 AM, fox attack -- five broken necks on my babies. I imagine me letting my setter out may have interrupted further carnage...but now I am down to five, and while poor Roo did his best, he is still pretty banged up. I am treating his one bite and he is eating and drinking and not limping (or crowing) but still humping, so I am just watching carefully.

Oh -- I know for sure this was a red fox, as she/he came back to claim the bodies as I was cleaning up...taunting me. I swear, he stuck his tongue out. I normally do not condone violence of any sort, BUT...grrr...

I am starting from scratch with new babies (pun intended!), and need everyone to stay safe.

Conclusion: I am unable to use fencing to predator-proof the outside run-area due to obstacles and weird space...I think my only option is an electric fence.

Please give me suggestions! I have electricity -- I do not think solar is an option in the woods.

Thank you, ALL, for the past three years I have tuned in, and very sorry not to have introduced myself sooner!
Jennifer

 

[Angeline1978]

I would get a live trap to start with, since violence is an issue, and put some kind of bait, like meat or something yummy like that. Other than that you're going to have to dispatch the fox. Sad to say but he/she found dinner. As long as chickens are there it will come back since it has already killed.

 

[Folly's place]

Electric fencing works very well against ground predators; you can either get the poultry netting from Premier, or set up multiple strands of wire or rope. HowardE has good information on setting up electric fencing on this site.
Foxes are difficult to trap! Try, though, or if you can get a good shot at it, do that. When we had a bad fox episode a few years ago, I drove around the neighborhood and let everyone know about it. Several people within a mile or so of my house had birds, and they were warned. One of them was able to shoot the fox the following week.
It was a very mangy individual, so easy to ID.
Your fox will also hunt at the neighbors, so do let them know about it.
Mary

 

[Rt66Kix]

There are several fox hunts in Maryland that re-home retired foxhounds. Might be a great deterrent.

 

[MINDANAO DAVE]

Put up a electric wire and also put a radio there fairly loud. Get some old CDs and with a string attach it to the electric wire long enough so that it moves with the wind. They don't like noise thinking a human is there. The CDs moving with the mirror like side shining makes it look like something or someone moving around . Good luck

 

[MINDANAO DAVE]

Also put a double wire about 1 ft apart.

 

[Jenngarman]

Thank you all for your suggestions -- I have since doubled the run height and have been clearing for an electric fence...in the meantime, they do not go out without me and Murf (the loud Irish Setter) after work. I am raising a new batch, and am going to double the predator-proof run-space, as well. Haven't seen the fox around, but I do get my little Hava-a-hart knocked around nightly -- think raccoons. after food scraps. Just got a gi-normous live trap and will see what comes by.

I very, very, very much appreciate your suggestions and will take all to heart!