Fox!

[tellynpeep]

Quote:
Could you post a picture of this set-up? Thanks!

 

[centrarchid]

Could you post a picture of this set-up? Thanks!

Following images show some of the potential refugia chickens can seek when challenged by predator. Notice growth form of trees with low branches. Fence rows with heavy vegetation can slow fox but not stop it. Quality cover patches also provide good view of approaching fox and allows chickens to give ground predator alarm even before fox commits to chase.

Refugia are useless unless chicken can and does respond appropriately to fox. Not all chickens owing to breed, age, health or lack of prior experience respond appropriately. Some breeds, especially those capable of flight are better. Chicks can generally do not fly well enough until a good six weeks old. Sick birds and those in poor feather are at greater risk. My birds need prior experience and often seeing flockmate lost before proper response is made. Getting just a few feet up into tree gives chicken a few extra seconds for dog to get there. Roof of house sought by game chickens and they can reach it from better than 100 yards from surroundng field.

 

[texaschickmom]

I lost 21 of my 33 chickens yesterday to what I think must be a fox or multiple fox. I only found 4 of the 21. I'm going to try to trap it and hopefully that will help. I cant imagine not letting the chickens out to free range. They were pretty traumatized this morning and wouldn't come out of the coop into the run. Poor things! I have one chick left and it was peeping for its mama.

I lost all but 9 chicks out of 51 last night to what I think was a fox. I only found 7 bodies. 35 chicks gone, no trace. Probably fox pup food. I am just sick about it. Cause I know they'll be back.

 

[Luciesbuddys]

There is a fox den about 20 feet from my coop!!!!!!!!! I think it got a he this morning and I'm missing a mallard but she might have flown away to stay safe. I hope she comes back! My boyfriend is definitely at war! There are at least 3 babies and the mom..... Out comes the 22!

 

[Rock Home Isle]

Just finally got a shot at a red fox and missed! Crap! I wonder if it will be back. I have been watching for it for a few days now. My good neighbor called me a few days ago and told me it was stalking my guineas. I saw it yesterday, but by the time I got the gun, it was gone. Took the gun out for chores this morning, no fox. Came in froze, was running my hands under some warm water, looking out the kitchen window and there it was! Man, can't believe I missed! Now I wonder if it will be back. Anybody think its gone, or will it be back? I reloaded, just in case.

Most likely she'll be back, but after being shot at it probably will not be during the day.