Fox

[chickinxing]

Set a steel trap about 1 -2 ft. from the entrance to the den, cover very softly with leaves . maybe that will solve your fox problem. It has worked for several of my neighbors.

 

[mmwb]

I am sorry for your loss. Given the time of year, it is highly probable that you are dealing with a pair of foxes with pups. The main den will have several entrances and exits. It will stick out like a sore thumb when you see it. There will be the remains of numerous animals in plain site: bones, fur, feathers. There will be a mess of fox droppings. If you did not see these signs, then it was not the main den. They will also have a back up den to which they will move if they think the main den has become unsafe. Their den is probably within a mile or two of your property, and could be quite close. Try to find an experienced predator caller. He or she may be able to cover the area and get the foxes to bark to help locate the den. A good trapper will clean the adults and pups out easily.

Assuming you don't have access to those resources, your on your own. If you move or kill both of the adults, the young will most likely starve. You need to know if that is acceptable within your frame of ethics. If you relocate the foxes, you will likely introduce them into another pairs' territory and they will probably be killed. If not killed, then they wander to find and establish their own territory (assuming you have moved them far enough to prohibit their return) and will likely become a problem for someone else. You need to know if that is also acceptable within your frame of ethics.

As much as many want to always choose the most merciful response to an animal's crime, the fact is capital punishment is often the most practical, often the only effective response.

 

[Sitka]

I'm sorry for your loss. Your roo sure put up a brave fight, and I admire the persistence of you and your dogs.