How do I free range my chickens with a Fox in the woods??

[CatMom2]

I free range year round. No fencing no electricity. I live in the mountains with every predator (except weasels and mink) that are found in va. A hundred birds have come through my care with only 1 lost to a predator which happened to be.... a fox. The quintessential chicken predator.

All in all pretty successful.

To reduce predation you need only 2 things. 1. A secure coop at night. 2. A dog (not necessarily a guard dog. The family pet will do). The presence of the dog, scent especially, with regular daylight activities on your property will keep daytime predators at bay. They will choose to come at night when things quiet down and by then the birds are secure in the coop.
Note: only bird i lost occurred at midday before we got our family dog

We also live in the mountains where we have every predator including mountain lions, bears, lynx, foxes etc. We also have a German Shepherd who patrols and keeps the girls safe. Soon after we got our first hens several years ago, some predator killed one through the link fencing run. We have since secured the coop and run better. We’ve also lost a couple of hens before dusk and never found any signs of what got them. We still free range but our dog has been a good protector. I just can’t keep them trapped. They are so happy each morning to go free, so I pray for their safety and hope for the best.

 

[PatriciafromCO]

we have coyotes there are foxes in the area but maybe because of the dogs is the reason I haven't seen any. Some dogs do really well with the birds and some dogs need some training help. you can always us a portable small kennel or (safely) chain out when you home, a dog in the area with the birds. Was sitting outside after dark inside a 6ft chain link enclosure waiting for my geese to finish their pool party when I heard something hit the chain link behind me. Single coyote maybe didn't realize I was sitting right there went to rush in and grab a noisy goose still out after dark. The dogs were right inside the barn door and dashed out after it. Coyote scaled over that fence easily to get away. Brazen pos... lol..

the only other suggestion is do what you can, for building an outdoor run off their coop if you can.

 

[countryladyNH]

My property is surrounded by woods on three out of the four sides and we have always had a problem with foxes but this certain fox keeps coming back so I can’t free range my hens. Normally this would be fine but The hens are out around 9 hours each day and because of the Fox they’re now locked in their run all day and they need to stretch their legs and get fresh greens. Also I don’t have enough time to sit out there and watch them. What should I do to get rid of that Fox?

Oh, Chicken Lady, we sure can identify. We have seen a fox come after our hens in broad daylight and right in front of us. We lost one hen once to a fox, also in daytime. Due to big hills, etc., there is NO way we have ANY land suitable for electric fencing. Mainly the woods are behind us, but up an incredibly steep hill. The house is pretty much up against the hill. I tore after the fox that went after my Hannah without thinking and no weapon. It was right on her tail. It took up up the hill and Hannah was fine. Hubby was at the hardware store and I was shaking and crying with shock and anger. He went right out and got a .22 from Walmart. At the tree line we set a couple leg traps and use fox lure and fox urine. They stay there all the time and we check them everyday. We also make sure they are baited. We have caught coons and possums so far and one fox. ALL were dispatched to Kingdom Come---It HAS to be done. Our flock is our responsibility and we love them. We now have a little dog. She is not a guard dog at all, but she is fearless and barks like mad if she sees anything like that. We also have 2 ducks and a Pilgrim goose named Mayflower. Mayflower is out free ranging all day with the ducks, always looking and patrolling. She is a love, but will honk like mad if she sees a threat (like a loud motorcycle or car tearing by, LOL). These measures have worked well so far. We never let anyone out to free range if we are not home. Mainly they all stay pretty close to the house. It's a gamble, but they love their free ranging and are so happy. We cannot take their quality of life away. Best of luck.

 

[countryladyNH]

Lol, you're quick to judge. That's just the coop- this is where they free range... and yes, I have some grass there. That's also my old coop, I did a bit of an... upgrade. The point though was the dog.

Either way if you look at the coop on the right, you can see some white specs there outside the fence. That's the chickens.

View attachment 2160076

In my opinion I would advise moving the coop a little bit more OUT of the trees...

 

[Mtnboomer]

We have a fox that comes during broad daylight with all kinds of daylight activities going on. I kind of wonder if my rooster is actually helping it. It leads our hens into the woods and then sits there crowing = dinner bell for the fox. Today I was only about 100 yards from them, and the neighbors had their dogs out, we were outside making noise and the fox still came and almost got one of our birds. Gave her a nasty laceration on her side. I did send the dog after the fox and there was some chasing but we have a very determined fox and it's not the first time it has been chased. Think we are going to have to do some extensive fencing to keep our eggs as pastured.

In those cases, be prepared to defend yourself. Shoot the fox with .22lr or high powered pellet gun. There are exceptions to every rule and in those instances more drastiv measures must be taken.

Our birds forage into our woods too during the day. I am outside most days, working the garden, cutting firewood, mowing the yard, making repairs, etc. I have killed 2 coyotes and seen many a fox. But I have not had to shoot a troublesome fox yet. So long as they mind their distance, I'll give them a pass.

 

[john sring]

When you say "they come back" do you mean you have birds being killed?

Because on any given night we have bears, foxes, raccoons, Bobcats, etc in our yard and investigating the coop. Just because they are present doesn't mean that they are a threat.

Snares work well. Get a local trapper to set them and eliminate the "frequent fliers". Iyts your right. And if they are there, they ARE a threat. They just need an opportunity. locking mine up at night has been 100% successful last 3 yrs. A fake entrance with a kill trap in it set 24 /7 takes out the ones that think they are getting in. But dont come out. rats cats coons possums. Up out of the way from where the birds go. Tin roofs and nettings keep fethered foes outta runs.

 

[john sring]

In those cases, be prepared to defend yourself. Shoot the fox with .22lr or high powered pellet gun. There are exceptions to every rule and in those instances more drastiv measures must be taken.

Our birds forage into our woods too during the day. I am outside most days, working the garden, cutting firewood, mowing the yard, making repairs, etc. I have killed 2 coyotes and seen many a fox. But I have not had to shoot a troublesome fox yet. So long as they mind their distance, I'll give them a pass.

no doubt in my mind the big mouth roosters attract attention. mine wont shut up at night. especially under moon. owls zero in on the roost. So I reduce all but the breeders to the freezer every 6 mths.

 

[Thomas70]

My property is surrounded by woods on three out of the four sides and we have always had a problem with foxes but this certain fox keeps coming back so I can’t free range my hens. Normally this would be fine but The hens are out around 9 hours each day and because of the Fox they’re now locked in their run all day and they need to stretch their legs and get fresh greens. Also I don’t have enough time to sit out there and watch them. What should I do to get rid of that Fox?

I had 2 roosters a duck and 3 guineas in the yard outside my run. A fox got the 2 roosters and the duck. I tried trapping but all I got was raccoons and possums. So we started watching and the fox was showing up around 9-10 every morning. It would circle the run trying to get into the chickens. So I had my shotgun ready and I got a fox the next day. But I have heard where there is one there are always more. Sure enough 2 days later another one showed up and I got him. I have not seen any more but more could migrate from somewhere else so I am keeping my eyes open. If shooting is not an option then you should try an electric fence.

 

[Okiedori]

My property is surrounded by woods on three out of the four sides and we have always had a problem with foxes but this certain fox keeps coming back so I can’t free range my hens. Normally this would be fine but The hens are out around 9 hours each day and because of the Fox they’re now locked in their run all day and they need to stretch their legs and get fresh greens. Also I don’t have enough time to sit out there and watch them. What should I do to get rid of that Fox?

We use the portable electric net fence. A little expensive at first. We love it because we can control where the chickens roam and they get moved every week or so. Has taken care of all ground preditors. My thinking is that you have to train the preditors that chickens are not a free meal and they will look elsewhere. Otherwise another fox will move in if you remove the first one. Good Luck!

 

[WilliamB59]

My property is surrounded by woods on three out of the four sides and we have always had a problem with foxes but this certain fox keeps coming back so I can’t free range my hens. Normally this would be fine but The hens are out around 9 hours each day and because of the Fox they’re now locked in their run all day and they need to stretch their legs and get fresh greens. Also I don’t have enough time to sit out there and watch them. What should I do to get rid of that Fox?

I would get a LGD.