Fox Pictures (next to the coop)

[Cetawin]

Yup mangey fox, literally..out like that, close to humans...I would be worried about rabies with it too. Just kill it and be done with it. Poor thing is suffering anyway.

Summer coats are shorter yes but not like that. That poor thing is a mess.

 

[Hambone]

I am having the same problem. I have seen one by my coop. I am hoping my electric fence will keep him out.

 

[Stina]

If the fox looked sickly back in June...its NOT rabies. I'd say with 99% certainty that it is a fox and not a dog or hybrid. Its ears don't look flopped to me at all. I think it looks mangey as well.

 

[Chickn chick 46]

We have fox in our area and I have only seen one, ever during the day (which was in my fenced in backyard out by my fenced in chicken yard

) My point is, I always thought fox were nocturnal animals

. I am out in the early morning hours delivering newspapers and see all kinds of things running around, including fox.

Anyway, looking at the pictures and seeing how very interested it is in the chickens, I would agree that it is sick with something. Good luck and hope your birds stay safe

 

[mmwb]

Fox are, in general, nocturnal. However, in areas of heavier populations it is not uncommon to see a few about during the day. Watch for a possible increase as the weather cools. Fox eat a lot of insects, especially grasshoppers where they are thick. As the insects die or go dormant for the season, they will be looking for easy fixin's to fill the void. They may get more brazen then. Fox are not as shy about human dwellings as their larger cousins anyway.

 

[peeplessinNC]

Years ago I sat on my back door stoop late at night and watched as a fox trotted just a few feet from me, turned, looked at me and kept on going, completely unafraid. 'Course, I was living out in the county at the site of an old fox hunt club. I routinely had the neighbors cows, big box turtles, and even pigeons from town out my back door. Always interesting living in the country.

 

[goosemama]

Yes that is definitely a fox not a coyote - they are much taller, longer legs and head shape is different. As others have suggested I agree this fellow has mange - we've seen some sorry looking foxes over the years. One was walking right up to my husband on the tractor and when he saw his condition he shot it. No doubt rabies was involved as well so keep your distance.

 

[gottalovemychickens]

Quote:
yeah i would have pulled out my .22 Rifle and shot it quick

 

[Biddieacres]

We planned to get him this weekend. He never showed up. Will keep you posted.

Why is it when I want him to show up he doesn't?

 

[HollyTree]

It's a coyote, I have a lot of them around where I live.