Foxes

[rodeo chicken]

Hav-a-hart animal traps are both effective and humane. You can contact your local dnr prior to employing any method of containment or eradication because a special permit or exemption is needed in every state I'm aware of They might even pick the animal up once trapped. Good luck I hope this helps.

 

[avian]

@ JackE , centrarchid
My cats are rather old though, if they got zapped would it cause more damge?! What brand of netting do you have JackE?!

@KatieBugg
Yeah , I heard jack russel terriers are good for foxes. Luckily in my area we don't have too many hawks, and when they are around they haven't been a threat. We do have turkey vultures though, but they are scavengers.

@rodeo chicken
I've tried cage traps before , but not really with foxes mainly groundhogs. I think I might try to use store bought chicken breast for a fox trap.

 

[Michael Apple]

Electric fencing may be a better route than electric netting. I have the Premier Perma-Net and it's durable. The problem is there is no height greater than 4'. I've had heavy Barred Rocks fly over it, so you'll have to do some wing clipping. Foxes don't like challenge, and the more uncomfortable you make them on your property, the less likely they will stay. Trap and cull. Search around your property and destroy any dens they may have created. If you have questions about legalities, contact your local Fish & Game department.

 

[centrarchid]

Electric fencing is difficult to make fox-tight.

 

[Michael Apple]

Electric fencing is difficult to make fox-tight.

Understandable. Most fox don't tend to be climbers though. A low running wire as well as a wire on top might work well. The other part is digging. Woven wire 2"x4" buried a foot or so around the perimeter and at least 5' high works well. I used 2"x2" wire spaced woven wire around one of my chicken yards. It is 6' high and I ran chicken wire over the top to peak over the middle of the yard so I can walk around in there. I never had a predator get in there. I don't let birds range unless I'm home and can keep an eye on them. Even then, I've had attacks form fox, bobcats, and coyote. They seem to avoid my area for awhile after I trap and cull or my dog goes after them.

 

[rodeo chicken]

Just a thought when trapping or hunting season is in your area. Which it probably is now I'm sure finding someone willing to trap them for free just to make use of the furs shouldn't be too difficult. I hunt coyotes on a lot of my neighbors and local farmers properties and am just pleased for the extra acreage to hunt on. Just a thought

 

[JackE]

@ JackE , centrarchid
My cats are rather old though, if they got zapped would it cause more damge?! What brand of netting do you have JackE?!

@KatieBugg
Yeah , I heard jack russel terriers are good for foxes. Luckily in my area we don't have too many hawks, and when they are around they haven't been a threat. We do have turkey vultures though, but they are scavengers.

@rodeo chicken
I've tried cage traps before , but not really with foxes mainly groundhogs. I think I might try to use store bought chicken breast for a fox trap.

I have Premier's PoultryPlus netting. I have only had one bird go over the fence since I installed it. And that was the first day it was up. I clipped one of her wings, and have not had any problems since. I have 5 BRs, and they have never gone over, one of my EEs was the escapee. The fence won't cause any damage to a cat. The fence doesn't burn when it shocks you. It feels like a serious static discharge shock. It is a bit stronger than that, but there is no visible sign of the shock hit.
My neighbor has a JackRussel, and that dog did some damage to my flock once. Tore up four birds, one seriously. I was able to save her, but it was a close call. That dog has a serious prey drive, I would not trust one around chickens.
As far as box traps go. I have had ZERO luck getting a fox into a box trap. I've tried different baits. Camoflaging the trap. Scent killing sprays. No luck. I did succeed in thining out the local raccoon population, but not luck with the fox. They are still around here too, I see and hear them regularly. But, thanks to Premier's fence, my chickens are safe.
Jack