Fox removal

[Geena]

Jeesh that sounds horrendous
I've never had to encounter a rabid animal, thank god
It's pretty okay where I live, most of the time. But foxes are pretty confident here, my nana once had to watch one take her rabbit, right in front of her in broad daylight. Very traumatic. She got it back, it fled and left the bunny behind, but it had already died from sudden shock, I expect the poor thing had a heart attack during the attack.
I know they aren't fun, but I'm the same as you, leave them alone as much as possible until it becomes the only realistic solution

If any animal shows signs of rabies, it should be dispatched as humanely as possible, as fast as possible. Its no fun for the animal, and a horrible to risk to others

Poor Nana That's the biggest problem with both foxes and raccoons, they very easily become habituated to humans and lose their good sense about keeping their distance. My dogs killed a fox last summer, it kept coming right into my fenced in yard with my GSDs in there! and tempted fate one time too many.

 

[Captain13]

As far as hunting, there are seasons for them here, so there is protection under the law. It’s when they become dangerous (rabies, attacking humans) or start killing pets and livestock, then some type of action has to be taken such as predator proofing, using noise makers, or whatever else you might try. When that doesn’t work, in season or not, we have the right here to use lethal means to deal with it. That right is protected under the law as well.

 

[Chicken mob]

Call a local game warden, they will help you!

I had a fox attack two weeks ago. It scratched one hen on the back ( she’s doing better ). We also had a hen with some nerve damage and she’s recovering . But today it came back and took a hen. I am sick of it hurting my chickens and I want it gone. I can’t legally kill it, what should I do?

 

[Krugerrand]

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. We need predators, too. 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.

I've seen fox on my trail cameras. Unless it shows signs of being a problem for the chickens, I'll let it be. I'm hoping it will deter the raccoons in the area and also keep down the rodent population.

I see raccoons as a bigger problem for me. They have opposable thumbs and can get into more trouble. They also eat my pawpaws and pears off the trees. Plus, I think they were stealing beans and peppers out of my garden.

I'd much rather have fox.

 

[Party_Chicken]

We are going to borrow a have a heart trap from a friend and relocate plus new chicks will be coming on Monday

 

[Geena]

We are going to borrow a have a heart trap from a friend and relocate plus new chicks will be coming on Monday

Unfortunately you are very unlikely to catch a fox in a have-a-heart, they are much too wary to be fooled that easily.

 

[neo71665]

40+ years of trapping furbearing animals I agree you are gonna have a hard time trapping a fox in a live trap. AND whatever you do if you are lucky enough to trap it DO NOT release your problem on somebody else. Often it is illegal (rightfully so). If you can't dispose of the problem animal just call your state game game and fish office and let them deal with it. They can legally rehome it if they choose.

I'll say in my time I've only live trapped 2 foxes and both of those were pups. One I kept as a pet because he was super young for about 12 years until he died of old age.

 

[Bfunk]

Thank you. I almost up and short it but there is a fine for it. I am really appreciate all the help

Shoot it burry it and don’t talk about it. Pretty simple. In a day and age where the people making the laws run a muck and do as they please I do the same!!

 

[Party_Chicken]

An update on the situation a week or so ago we had another attack. The fox scratched on of my RSLs butt and removed all but two tail feathers this is the same one that had her back opened up in the first attack. It also cut my other RSLs vent and took all her tail feathers off. I also had a 13 week old cockerel that disappeared on Friday. I have kept them in my run while I’m away and all problems have occurred while out of the run.

 

[Party_Chicken]

So today a neighbor told me that they had seen what they assumed to be a fox den. I don’t know we’re it is but I can ask. I have searched my woods and found nothing but this seems promising. I am wondering if I should do anything with this info or just keep what I’ve been doing by keeping them in the run. I also have a promising young EE cockerel I’m raising who did a good job hiding his pullets while he and the other cockerel (who disappeared) kept watch.