Got a fox outside the hen house

[Hopperkiller]

We have coyotes, coons, possoms, owls, skunks, bobcats, hawks and an occasional cougar in our area. When i lived in a city 20 miles from my location i saw numerous grey foxes living in urbanized area. Havent seen a sign of them here since 2001. Numerous people have lost small dogs to coyotes. A beagle chased one into the woods where he was killed and carcass left behind. Minature breed dogs are getting attacked within sight of owners. Coyotes come into my yard area right past my dog pen with larger barking dogs and take chickens in broad daylight. You need to be diligent and flexible to protect your flock. I dont want to kill a predator needlessly but this is not a feeding station. My scope might be off cuz i missed on 2 oppurtunities within a week. I tried calling them in after that and the coyotes sat down just out of range. I think they learn where there is not a safe hunt zone. Havent seen sign of them closer than 500 yards since i missed shots. Before that they were digging at my run at noon. Im not sure if foxes learn the same way.

 

[happyfrenchman]

Coyotes will lure a small dog out too far and then snatch it.... keep your brave little fellow safe. I would shoot that coyote if he gives you another chance. If you can get a gun barrel on him. Sometimes they will stand there til you start to raise the rifle..... go slow.... he is standing there for a reason.... and it is not to eat the grass....

 

[Floppy Pheasant]

I love all animals,I cannot fault any wild animal for doing what nature intended them to do... my chickens live outside,in a coop,BTW,two of my chickens were so traumatized, they roost on the tree closest to my door now... chickens remember traumatic incidences.I'm feeling sorry for my babies.

 

[Floppy Pheasant]

I have 12 traps around my property, my husband had to kill a rabid raccoon last year ...I'm not against protecting flocks,I just don't promote the killing of wild animals,I can't justify killing wild animals just because their doing what nature intended them to do.
I love my chickens,some were killed,I can't bring them back by killing a wild animal,two wrongs,don't make a right.

 

[Dona Worry]

I have 12 traps around my property, my husband had to kill a rabid raccoon last year ...I'm not against protecting flocks,I just don't promote the killing of wild animals,I can't justify killing wild animals just because their doing what nature intended them to do.
I love my chickens,some were killed,I can't bring them back by killing a wild animal,two wrongs,don't make a right.

Killing a wild animal that has learned it can prey on your flocks is NOT an act of vengeance for wrongs done. It is protecting the rest of your flock. Once a predator learns where fat tasty chickens live, it becomes an ever-increasing challenge to keep your flock safe, and the stakes in this challenge are your hens lives.
I don't hunt, and I thunk foxes are beautiful, but I won't hesitate to shoot one that comes near my house. A fox is a wild animal, my hens are not. My chickens are not going to defends themselves, so I am going to. Part of that is making sure they are cooped at night in a predator proof coop, but part of that is eradicating predators with a taste for chicken.

 

[happyfrenchman]

I have 12 traps around my property, my husband had to kill a rabid raccoon last year ...I'm not against protecting flocks,I just don't promote the killing of wild animals,I can't justify killing wild animals just because their doing what nature intended them to do.
I love my chickens,some were killed,I can't bring them back by killing a wild animal,two wrongs,don't make a right.

FP, I agree you should never kill something wild for no reason, (although I myself have killed a few for cause here and there... I think it is important to remember FP that you are a part of nature too. Your domestic chickens fill a niche in the natural order, and as the protector of them, you will inevitably have to prune back the wild here and there. I never molest the racoons that I know are all around. (I cannot say the same for my wonderful dog). My birds are secured at night. (so far they have been) but were one to show an inordinate interest, he would have to go, just because I would assume he is not going to stop. You don't have to kill anything if you can keep your chickens secured otherwise.... They are your chickens and you can keep them as you please and if you can keep them safe with minimal wildlife casualties, it is to be commended.

 

[aart]

I have 12 traps around my property, my husband had to kill a rabid raccoon last year ...I'm not against protecting flocks,I just don't promote the killing of wild animals,I can't justify killing wild animals just because their doing what nature intended them to do.
I love my chickens,some were killed,I can't bring them back by killing a wild animal,two wrongs,don't make a right.

Why so many traps?
What are you doing with the animals that end up trapped in them?
You don't have your location posted, but in most states in the US relocation is illegal ....because it's biologically unsound(it's not healthy for the wild population) and can be cruel in a way to put an animal into a new territory as it's likely to starve or be killed anyway.

 

[AmsoilJim]

It’s kinda funny, someone mentioned using a fox call and I went to YouTube to see if the had one on there. When the video started, I instantly remembered hearing the sound right outside my house probably a week ago and wondering what the hell was making that horrible sound. Now I know exactly what it was.

 

[MROO]

With a fox in the yard, I'd be just as worried about your little dog as I would about the chickens. Foxes are very clever and extremely persistent. Yours will be back, regularly.

Sandbags won't deter it, especially now that it knows it can bust them apart. Make sure you have an apron going out at least 18 inches (about a half meter) from the coop/run wall. I actually had to dig a trench and fill it with dry concrete mix, then added water and mixed it right in the hole. I'm glad I did, because our chicken-chasing new dog is a digger ... and a slow learner for this particular lesson!

 

[MROO]

It’s kinda funny, someone mentioned using a fox call and I went to YouTube to see if the had one on there. When the video started, I instantly remembered hearing the sound right outside my house probably a week ago and wondering what the hell was making that horrible sound. Now I know exactly what it was.

To me, they sound like barking cats. As a kid, I lost so many rabbits and barn kitties to them that a fox's bark will still wake me up from a sound sleep!