Fox or coyote? problem

[Foxhound lady]

I have a predator problem and need some advice on how to reduce or elimate it.

We are fronted by a subdivision and back in a creek

I free-range my birds during the day and coop them at night. The pens are horse wire wrapped by hardware cloth at the bottom dung in about 6-8 inches. Bricks and beams outlining the edge. The doors have 2 latches on each and sit snugly in the frame except feed room door which has a habit of not closing all the way. The coop backs up to my horse pen which is partially wooded. We have had a reduction in predators since the horse came out.

Earlier in the week I lost 2 cockerels to something feathers everywhere no bodies. Yesterday morning between 730-800, 9 birds died. 5 confirmed bodies all scattered across the property. I have 6 hens left I walked the pasture line and found a hole under the fence with feathers scattered about.

I think it's a fox heck it could be a coyote since I saw a red phase ( bigger then my cockers so not a fox) stacking the birds a month or two ago. Any ideas shooting isn't a option since I'm a crappy shot

 

[Folly's place]

Keep your birds in a safe pen until you can get rid of your current predator. Beef up security ASAP; can you add electric fencing, especially electrified poultry fence? You might get lucky with a large live trap. Let the neighbors know, especially neighbors with birds or lambs. Hopefully someone will get a good shot and eliminate him. Mary