lost my favorite rooster to a fox

[mackak]

Four of my chickens have disappeared since moving to Virginia. We have only seen the remains of one. I saw a scraggly fox chasing some of my chickens one afternoon but we scared it off. Now, my sweetest, gentlest, goofiest rooster is missing. For a little while, I will have no funds to improve security. Any kind hearted suggestions would be very much appreciated.

The sweetest, friendliest hen we have is now without her constant companion and guardian. This is the hardest part of all. How do I help her?

Heartbroken in Virginia

 

[mi chicken]

sorry for your loss .fox are hard to keep away . if you were closer i would give you one of my roosters.

 

[Random Bantam]

I am so sorry. We just lost ours last night/early this morning.

 

[Lollipop]

Sorry ya'll. Truth is, your best, dearest, etc., are always the first to go or get killed. Kinda natures law. Like running over the best dog you ever had. Now, for reality sake, the predator will continue to return until there is no more food, or until you eliminate him/her/it. Everyone who keeps chickens must have a trap and a gun. Live traps are good, and the gun is to finish the job, no matter how cute and cuddley the predator looks. Relocation is usually against the law, so finish it off and either bury it, or put it out with the trash in a dark bag. No getting around it. Your alternative is complete Fort Knox like security and even that seldom works. The norm is for a predator to sleep off a good meal for 2-3 days and then hunt for more. Good luck to ya........Pop

 

[Random Bantam]

Thanks...I am afraid whatever "it" is will come back. Need to set our trap tomorrow. What bait should I use?

 

[Mattemma]

I say go for a conibear trap.Cheap and very effective.Saves you the trouble of killing in a live trap.Sorry for your loss.Other option is a pellet gun and patiently wait. I used to be a chicken herder when we first got our 3. I would only let them out while I was there walking with them.

For a fox I would put meat.

 

[Lollipop]

Thanks...I am afraid whatever "it" is will come back. Need to set our trap tomorrow. What bait should I use?

I've had success using fried chicken bones. Stinky cheap canned cat food might work as well. Good luck.........Pop

 

[CrzyCknLady]

Someone suggested to me that I use a can of tuna and some water in a bowl - freeze it - so that way if the fox comes back, he's held up trying to get the tuna out of the ice and I've got time to fire off a shot or two......of course, this probably won't work stellar in hot weather - but it's worth a shot. No pun intended. Good luck getting your fox!