Foxes- what we can do to prevent them!!!!

[Folly's place]

I have a safe coop and run, and I do free range my flock most days. My dogs are fenced close to but separated from the birds, and although the dogs aren't actually with the birds, I think that they do deter coyotes and foxes from visiting, at least during the day.
A few years ago we had ten nice hens killed by a sick mangy fox one afternoon, while free ranging. This attack was seen by a workman next door, who just watched! My horses were in the pasture where it was happening, and apparently weren't concerned either.
This happened during the afternoon, and this fox returned to get chickens he killed during the day twice more, but not where we could get a safe shot at him.
I notified many neighbors, and he was killed the next week visiting another flock (locked in!) when a good shot was possible.
Having a safe coop and run, which means roofed and solidly built, makes a huge difference.
Electric fencing is the best where ever it's possible to use it.
Mary

 

[Folly's place]

LGD's are by far the most expensive option, although very useful where it's possible to use them.
My current dogs love chicken too, so not so good as protectors.
Mary

 

[Butterscotchbitesfinger]

I agree with all these, I had read a few days earlier before it ripped through the wire, that foxes could do that sort of damage and planned to double wire my coop that weekend. But that weekend was to late, it attacked in the Tuesday night. All we heard was a squeak and saw glowing eyes when we shone the torch.

 

[Butterscotchbitesfinger]

My Great Dane doesn’t mind looking out for the chickens but he isn’t there all the time cause he likes to go bark at the horses

 

[chickens really]

I have two working Dogs a Maremma and a Golden Retriver/Aussie cross. Great dogs and know their jobs. Although Fox were out smarting my Dogs.
We located the Den and got it destroyed. No Fox issues although the coyotes moved in. So predator attacks are always an issue because get rid of one threat the others move in...

 

[Butterscotchbitesfinger]

Foxes in my opinion may be one of the worst predators as they can outsmart really easily and will kill ruthlessly even when they don’t need it

 

[Shadrach]

Foxes in my opinion may be one of the worst predators as they can outsmart really easily and will kill ruthlessly even when they don’t need it

That is the problem with foxes. Hawks, they kill one usually, weasels if they catch chickens in the coop may kill more.

 

[chickens really]

Foxes in my opinion may be one of the worst predators as they can outsmart really easily and will kill ruthlessly even when they don’t need it

Definitely won't take more than they need but are hoarders so burry extra meat for another day.

 

[Butterscotchbitesfinger]

Foxes, seeing as I’m in AU, are my worst nightmare. We had 3 chickens taken in one night and a Silkie hen with a hurt leg tacked a few weeks ago. I now let my dogs walk wherever they want so my chickens are safe because my Great Dane terrifies this fox which only comes up to about his belly. I HATE FOXES

 

[chickens really]

The Two Fox had my Dogs go after the one Fox as the other came right up as I was outside and killed 3 Young birds. Hid one in my treeline and the other by the Coop as it hightailed it back next door with one in its mouth.