Just saw a fox lurking... what do I do??

[rehsanipoor]

Can I do electric wire safely without zapping kids?

 

[HennyPenny2019]

Keep them confined for the next week, it will move on if there's no dinner to be had. That's the best deterrent.
Reporting to animal control might give you some clues if there's anything else to do.
Poison, especially, or trapping is not a great idea...do not trap unless you plan to kill.

And poison could be eaten by a neighbors pet dog or cat ... don’t do that. Call animal control.

 

[MissChick@dee]

Air rifles are pretty quiet

 

[bobbi-j]

Can I do electric wire safely without zapping kids?

Yes. Unplug the fence when they're out and about, plug it back in when they come in if they are little. As they get older, tell them not to touch the fence or it will hurt them. (It really doesn't hurt for long - more of a sharp startle effect. Go ahead - ask me how I know... ) My kids grew up playing in a yard that was bordered by the electric fence that kept my horses in. When they were too little to really understand, I unplugged it. As they got older, they listened when I told them not to touch it. For a time, anyway. Then they learned on their own why they should respect it. It's not going to cause them permanent damage. It only hurts for the time it shocks you, which is about a second or less. Most (if not all) electric fences pulse. It's not a steady shock. The pulse gives whatever is touching it a chance to break away.

 

[rehsanipoor]

I'm thinking of a new alternative to time outs.....

 

[aart]

I have kids in the yard all the time so I don't think electric fencing is an option. I don't know much about it though. We are in the middle of the city so shooting is not such a viable option. Maybe I'll try some of that urine. as an added deterrent. We see foxes all over the place so I think that trapping/killing is just going to be a game of whack-a-mole.

Exactly, that's why a secure coop and run is most effective.

I'd not bother with the urine... @bobbi-j covered hot wire and kids.
@Howard E is the resident hot wire mentor.

 

[RoosterML]

Can I do electric wire safely without zapping kids?

Kids will only touch it once.

 

[aart]

I'm thinking of a new alternative to time outs.....

<giggles>...for the kids?

Was thinking about hot wire and kids......not much difference than teaching them to stay away from a hot stove? How old are your kids?

Kids will only touch it once.

That's all it took me, at my aunt's angus farm.

 

[RoosterML]

To the .22 or pellet gun and it's legality or not wasn't really the question from @rehsanipoor. It was what do I do? I gave a very effective common management practice used by many (within city limits or not). I also offered ways to reduce the possible over reaction of neighbors who would be the ones to call local authorities. Most important thing to remember if you do go the firearms route is only fire one shot and never the second. The second shot is what usually gets you into trouble maybe. First shot may get people's attention but they really have no idea where it came from or what it was exactly and will most likey just dismiss it. Also do not go running out into the yard after it as that will draw attention also. Give it at least an hour for things to die down after which you can go see if your successful or not. I know none of this makes me sound like a very law abiding citizen which can't be farther from the truth but if the steps are followed they will minimize any potential interaction will authorities.
Again just my .02 and that's about what it's worth. Besides if your neighbors are also losing animals they will most likely do nothing.

 

[RoosterML]

Was thinking about hot wire and kids.....

That's all it took me, at my aunt's angus farm.

I wasn't going to BUT the whole peeing on the hot wire is false. The stupid things you do when your young.