Here's the fox that's been friends with my chickens

[smoore7489]

Finally caught the guy. Used a can of mussels and lured him in. Looks like he has some pretty good mange. Now. I dont want to kill this guy. He has never bothered my free range chickens and ..honestly I just dont have the heart to. What should I do about relocating him? Should he have medical attention before hand? I know most people on here are gonna think I'm crazy for even wanting to keep a fox alive but he has done no wrong to me, so I will return the favor.

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

Relocate him is just pushing him into a place he does not know and will likely kill him. Likely it is illegal as well. You should not have trapped him in the first place if he was doing no harm and you have no plan.

Gary

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I'm with you on all counts but as Idyllwild says, relocation isn't usually advisable.
My best advice is to leave it to the professionals. Most areas have a wildlife rescue center that will gladly handle health issues and re-release.
I'm not mad at foxes, hawks and other native species that are just trying to feed themselves. On the other hand, invasives like dogs, cats and raccoons don't get the same level of respect.
By the way, good job on the trapping.

 

[MartinsPoultry]

Call your local Division of Natural Recourses and let them make a decision on him.

 

[smoore7489]

Why would relocating him kill him? I was thinking of taking him to my parents who have 70 acres of woods. Curious on how relocating is dangerous for the animal.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Relocating forces the animal to find food, water and shelter in surroundings they don't know. They may never be able to find enough to survive and there are already the same type of animal there who won't take kindly to someone invading their territory. Usually it leads to fights for territory.
It can also spread disease - like mange, rabies, distemper, etc..

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

Why would relocating him kill him? I was thinking of taking him to my parents who have 70 acres of woods. Curious on how relocating is dangerous for the animal.

They are going into unfamiliar territory that already has an established set of predators that will likely kill it. They will have no clue where it is safe to hunt, find water. There is a reason it is illegal almost everywhere to relocate wildlife.

Gary

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

Just shoot it already or let it go.

Good luck

Gary

 

[aart]

Relocating forces the animal to find food, water and shelter in surroundings they don't know. They may never be able to find enough to survive and there are already the same type of animal there who won't take kindly to someone invading their territory. Usually it leads to fights for territory.
It can also spread disease - like mange, rabies, distemper, etc..

Exactly! Especially the disease aspect in this case.
Either shoot it or call DNR.

 

[BantyChooks]

Since he has mange shooting him would be merciful. Agree with the no relocation advice.