Never Before Heard Call in the Night.... Fox (wav. file). Update: Tracks Update2: Saw Fox!

[speckledhen]

Indeed. May have to rethink getting rid of a couple of cockerels if the predators are ramping up. Found cougar tracks outside the bantam pen, thought nah, couldn't be... then someone in our area asked if we'd seen or heard the cougar. Geez What next? I'd be more concerned about a fox than a cougar, as far as the chickens go, though.

 

[rancher hicks]

Had a fox snag my sussex hen a few weeks ago. I came out just after it grabbed her. Followed the feathers into the woods and saw the hen laying on the ground. Thinking she was gone I picked her up and she was still alive. Then I saw the fox running across a neighbors yard.

No injuries that I could see, No blood though her head was floppy. I quarantined her of course and watched her. We are not friendly but she was okay. Gradually over a week or so, she began to stand and eat and drink. When I saw big piles of poop I knew she was okay. She's back out with the flock and I do believe she's laying again.

I still "Mark" my territory as I always did and walked the woods a few days ago with no signs of the fox. Neighbors do have dogs, but I still am fencing in around the edge of the woods and don't let the birds range in that area for now.

I do have white Christmas lights surrounding my garden and in the chicken runs. Sometimes I get up early when it's dark and take a walk about.

 

[tatertot]

Why was her head floppy

 

[speckledhen]

Could be the fox grabbed her by the neck and there was slight muscle trauma and she was probably in shock as well.

 

[rancher hicks]

In either case she survived thank the Lord.

 

[speckledhen]

Amen. That doesn't often happen.

 

[tatertot]

Yes thankfully she was saved...what do you do for one in shock?

 

[cafarmgirl]

Birds in shock need to be kept in a warm, dark, quiet place and allowed to recover.

 

[tatertot]

Just out of pure couriousity have you heard of Don Piper and his experience?
I YouTube his name and awesome is the only word to discribe it

 

[tatertot]

Birds in shock need to be kept in a warm, dark, quiet place and allowed to recover.

ok