Fox out during daytime! Help!

[IslaBean]

I knew we had foxes around where we lived, but I’ve never seen them out during the day before, so I figured it was fine to let my chickens free range during the day. I’ve had them for two years without loosing anyone to a predator. But today, I was out in my yard and I saw a fox roaming around a little bit after 12:30 pm. I quickly put my chickens away, as soon as I saw him. He then continued to roam around my yard for about 20 minutes before running off into the distance. I know this could be a sign that he’s rabid, but it could also just be he’s looking for food. This wouldn’t make too much sense because summer seems like the time of year he wouldn’t be starving. I won’t let my chickens free range for awhile, but what should I do about this situation?

 

[The Phantom]

Use a 22

 

[cmom]

Recently I lost a very special hen to a fox during the middle of the day. They are probably out looking for food for their young. I caught mine in a trap.

 

[LoveMyChickenBabies]

You could try to trap it and relocate it. Or you could shoot it. Both of those are perfectly good options

 

[cmom]

I permanently relocated mine and have seen a couple more since.

 

[Trish1974]

Fox frequently run during the day; it does not mean they are rabid. They also seem to have a strict routine they stick to, so maybe look for him tomorrow around the same time armed with a gun.
ETA: Foxes are feeding their kits this time of year, which does make them a little bolder and desperate for food.

 

[PirateGirl]

Fox frequently run during the day; it does not mean they are rabid. They also seem to have a strict routine they stick to, so maybe look for him tomorrow around the same time armed with a gun.
ETA: Foxes are feeding their kits this time of year, which does make them a little bolder and desperate for food.

This is very much what I was going to say. I often see foxes during the day, and this time of year they may be making more frequent hunting trips so that they can adequately feed their entire family. A secure run or electric fencing could be your friend. If the fox visits frequently it might be worth talking to DOW.

 

[texsuze]

Ditto, foxes out during the day are likely looking to feed kits. They tend to have set routes and routines, too. Mrs. Fox has now seen your chickens. Rather than shooting/trapping, your best investment in time and money will be secure fencing of some type, where your chickens can free-range. Plus shrubs, huts, or things your chickens hide under within that fencing.

Years ago, after I lost my beloved Wilma to a fox, I decided to invest in 5' no-climb horse fencing around my barnyard. Electric wire runs along both the top and bottom (outside). I attached a field fence "apron" around the bottom to inhibit digging. Since then I've been able to free-range my girls during the day with much less stress. Still requires diligence, though.

 

[cmom]

I don't free range my birds anymore due to losses in the past. All of my birds have large pens. The hardest was loosing my very precious Gladys to a fox, but I got the fox. Gladys loved to be held and would come when we called her, she loved to be with us. She had a crossed beak so she was special. She was 3 years old when the fox killed her.
Gladys.