Fox removal

[BelovedBirds]

We have to remember that the fox might be the reason why you don't have a weasel coming around, or mice or birds spreading disease to the flock. I know it stinks to have a problem animal, and I understand wanting to just have it gone, but it is a web out there and boosting our security is the only real solution.

We border a wildlife preserve. We rarely have problem animals, because they get eaten by something else, or find something else to eat before they can be a real nuisance to us. I totally understand having a hard time affording building supplies, and nothing we do can be 100% predator proof, but making a super secure space for the birds is the horse you want to bet on.

 

[RivaltKennels]

Why do you suppose the fox is protected by law?

They protected alligators until the attacks got bad enougand relented that problem animals could be shot. Do you think a fox learning to eat human livestock is an asset or a detriment to its protected status? No one says kill all foxes on sight, but this animal is causing trouble, and will teach its young to do the same. That won't do its species any favors in the long run, nor will it or its offspring learn to feed itself properly after learning how to get the easy prey. I don't really worry about endangered animals, after all, plenty of species have gone extinct with no I'll effect, and even made room for brand new ones. That's not an excuse to kill off animals, but it does mean you have to value human needs over the animal, when the animal becomes a problem, and this one is.

 

[Ridgeback825]

I think OP already has an action plan. Trying to kill the fox is a last resort if predator proofing fails.
Relocating may even be a possibility, though not often done, a rehabber could do this.

The 3 S's are not a solution to everything, and when the animals are free range, it's irresponsible to jump immediately into killing protected wildlife.

I get it. The issue is that there aren't many other options if they are stalking your coop right at first light and learn when the door opens. Have you ever tried to trap a fox? I have and its not easy to do. Here, we have the right to protect our livestock and that right trumps their protected status.

 

[BelovedBirds]

@RivaltKennels
I'm sorry, that wasn't what I asked, I asked why you thought the foxes are legally protected
We aren't talking about humans being attacked, we're talking about loose unprotected livestock being attacked. It's on us to enclose and predator proof to protect our animals.
It most certainly isn't our job to kill a species which is literally needing to be protected by law.

What will you do next week, when a protected hawk grabs one of your birds? Killing protected species is irresponsible. Full stop. It is a last resort, not a first step.

 

[BelovedBirds]

I get it. The issue is that there aren't many other options if they are stalking your coop right at first light and learn when the door opens. Have you ever tried to trap a fox? I have and its not easy to do. Here, we have the right to protect our livestock and that right trumps their protected status.

I know that it isn't easy, it can take a long time. I haven't tried to of course, but rehabbers who would do this are a fair bit more experienced than us.

Now, arguing that you should protect your livestock, I agree 100% but the first step of protection is predator proofing. If a fox can get an animal, anything else can.
The problem isn't simply that there's a law in the way, the problem is WHY the species is being protected. Killing the fox is a last resort if the animals cannot be protected through other means

 

[Saveria]

The fox showed up again on Monday but didn’t take anything. Yesterday it came back while we were away and took one of our olive eggers. The other olive egger got stuck next to the coop. I think she has a broken leg but I’m not sure. What do you think?

The last time I had a chicken with a hurt leg I kept her in a dog kennel inside until it healed. It was just injured and she needed to rest it for a bit. When you feel the leg does it feel broken in any places? She would probably make a sound of pain when you touch it, too.

Let us know if it seems worse than just a regular sprain/injury, there are folks that know about that on here.

 

[WallyG74]

I think OP already has an action plan. Trying to kill the fox is a last resort if predator proofing fails.
Relocating may even be a possibility, though not often done, a rehabber could do this.

The 3 S's are not a solution to everything, and when the animals are free range, it's irresponsible to jump immediately into killing protected wildlife.

It’s called protecting your investment. No different from a rancher killing coyotes that are killing calves. Everything doesn’t fit in a vault.

 

[Ridgeback825]

This would still be illegal in most places, unless you have a licence.
Reason being, dumping a fox in an unknown territory is extremely dangerous for them. Its arguably less humane than just killing the animal.
Rehabbers sometimes will do this, but they know the best areas for relocation, where it is best for the animal. It certainly isn't our place to do it.

Yes, and with many animals, it's wasted effort. Many will find their way back to the original area or die slowly as many don't readjust to a completely new territory. Not to mention, many DNR don't want you trucking a animal hundreds of miles away to release. When you break that idea down, it has many major flaws that most overlook to appease their emotions. Proper wildlife management needs proven ways and facts, not warm fuzzy emotions. I know that's rough, but it is the most effective way to manage natural resources because nature couldn't care less how it makes you feel.

 

[BelovedBirds]

It’s called protecting your investment. No different from a rancher killing coyotes that are killing calves. Everything doesn’t fit in a vault.

I never said everything did. You're the one comparing a fox to a coyote. The problem isn't calves, which can't be protected in the same way. The problem is chickens. The problem is a protected species

Everything doesn't fit in the same vault, so why are you comparing two totally different issues?

 

[Ridgeback825]

@RivaltKennels
I'm sorry, that wasn't what I asked, I asked why you thought the foxes are legally protected
We aren't talking about humans being attacked, we're talking about loose unprotected livestock being attacked. It's on us to enclose and predator proof to protect our animals.
It most certainly isn't our job to kill a species which is literally needing to be protected by law.

What will you do next week, when a protected hawk grabs one of your birds? Killing protected species is irresponsible. Full stop. It is a last resort, not a first step.

Obviously its not the first step, but an effective last one. I've been in this position and "just keep them locked up and safe" doesn't always work when you're sly as a fox.