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

[lcwmt]

Jeez guys. I trapped the fox bc I saw it was sick and I didnt want it to spread mange to my dog, family, anything else. It was RIGHT by my back door. I dont understand the hostility to me trapping a fox. And just because the fox didnt attack my hens doesnt mean it wont either. Food is growing scarce now. Im calling fish and wild life and if they dont have an option besides death I have a friend already ready to take the fox because their job is to rehabilitate and relocate wildlife. Thanks to everyone with suggestions tho. I appreciate it.
Also I live close to the city so a fox out here in the open is weird.

I live in MT. In my current locale foxes live in lower elevations, closer to water and are not a part of my daily life. In my previous location, they did not live in my neighborhood but did live on the Island where my dogs and I walked every day.

A huge caution with wild creatures like this fox, is this: IF they are unusually unafraid to get close to humans, if they approach you or your house, a couple things are likely: disease or near starvation, or both. Mange is for sure with this guy; it may also have other nastier problems. Uncommon bravery can be an indication of rabies, endemic in some areas.
IMO, live trapping this fox with the intention of calling Fish and Wildlife, with the back up of calling rehab was prudent and humane.

At the very least you are protecting your own. At the most, the fox will get appropriate attention with the decisions made by someone trained... euthanasia in a humane manner or medical treatment and whatever protocol is acceptable where you live.
FWIW, if you are in the city or suburbs, it is probably illegal for you to fire a gun, even to put a critter out of its misery or to defend your chickens and pets.

It's really easy in on-line conversations to think that everyone's situation is like ours, isn't it? Not so. we do not share the same climate, neighborhood, cultural backgrounds or even the same attitudes about "responsibility". Seems to me that it's way too easy to miss a few pertinent facts when we react to another person's decision making process. Sorry that happened to you.

 

[MinervaELS]

If you want to keep it around, you can feed it hot dogs laced with ivermectin for the mange. I forget the amount but can look it up if you're interested. You don't have to keep it penned up, just put them where you know he'll find and eat them.

Fish and Wildlife is also a good option if you want it gone. They may send it to a wildlife rehab to treat and release it or euthanize it depending on available resources and how abundant the fox population is.

 

[Hoosiercluck]

As you said, the fact that the fox was at your back door meant in itself it is ill. Normally, wildlife that close means sickness. Your heart is in the right place, but I would also follow the advice of the DNR. Relocation once healthy may mean death too in another's territory, but I hope you have a good ending to Mr. Fox and your chickens.

 

[smoore7489]

Thank you guys
I will definitely post an update on the turn out of the fox.

 

[Naser]

Jeez guys. I trapped the fox bc I saw it was sick and I didnt want it to spread mange to my dog, family, anything else. It was RIGHT by my back door. I dont understand the hostility to me trapping a fox. And just because the fox didnt attack my hens doesnt mean it wont either. Food is growing scarce now. Im calling fish and wild life and if they dont have an option besides death I have a friend already ready to take the fox because their job is to rehabilitate and relocate wildlife. Thanks to everyone with suggestions tho. I appreciate it.
Also I live close to the city so a fox out here in the open is weird.

There is nothing wrong in trapping foxes and killing them, My only concern is another fox will take over and kill your hens, this fox carries disease, sorry I missed that point.

 

[The Angry Hen]

Each person here has their very own helpful advice/opinion. Personally... Foxes are not anywhere near my property or on my good side. They have killed two of my Guinea fowl and stalked a deer right in front of me. They come across cute and playful as kits, but they do harm in many ways as adults. Relocating him may seem like a good idea, but in no way is it. By putting him somewhere else it may be illegal, spreading sickness and giving other folks something capable of doing harm to family and family pets.
The one you caught, in my opinion, doesn't look stable. Is it just me or does his head look different than a usual fox?
When I had the one on my property, I blocked up the dens (legally) and put him to his misery. Yours has not done harm... Yet. The one we had, did harm. So it was more reasonable. Do what you want, but I hope this info helps guide you in the good direction.

 

[H&Hchickens]

I definitely don't think you're crazy. I would never kill a fox or really anything. I would give him medical attention just because you never know it might be bad and you'd practically be killing it if it was serious. It would be a nice thing to do and if you could relocate it, I would do it at least 5-10 miles away from where it was. Also, make sure it's almost the same environment so that it will not just come right back.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I think his head looks so bad because of the mange.
He looks like he is miserable and not just from getting trapped.

Division of wildlife is really the ones that should make the decision.

Treating for mange is not always possible depending on type and especially because this is a wild animal capable of seriously harming anyone trying to administer aid.

Really, please call the appropriate authorities in your area.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Adding that where I live relocation is illegal.
Trapping IS legal but there are certain conditions that must be met like how long they are allowed to be trapped before it becomes animal cruelty.

If you release it you will now have a sick and trap wary fox running around.

 

[Pippomky75]

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. View attachment 1185891

THAT FACE!!!!!! OH he is just not happy! you can call animal control, or your local game warden, they will find a good home for him