OMG just found a fox about the kill all my chickens Need help with fox proofing

[XxMingirlxX]

On Thursday, my beautiful Polish Sophie was killed by a fox. I was very upset and to prevent any other deaths I secured the coop and closed in there run, they have the walls of protection that I closed of to the inner most secure wall. One hour ago I looked out the window and saw a fox about to pounce inside this fence. Immediately my family and I ran out side screaming distract it and we managed to get them out. It had one of them but she seems to be OK. We captured the fox and after a lot of debate, released it. Now I need serious methods to stop the foxes, I can't deal with losing any more. We have considered getting two pigmy goats for the testosterone and walking them because we have heard that deters them. I really need suggestions.

 

[nab58]

I've never heard of Pygmy goats deterring fox. Seems like a lot of work when building a secure coop would be a fail proof solution. I had a fox chase my flock while they were free ranging. I was able to scream and scare off the fox before any damage was done. I don't have to worry about fox, opossum, racoon,etc as my coop is secured with 1/2 " hardware cloth buries 18" underground. I do have to watch them closely when they're free ranging because anything can pop out of the woods or swoop out of the air.

 

[txredchick]

How exactly is your run built?

We have large owls, coyotes & bobcats - so we cemented our cedar posts & wire into the ground. They also have above netting protection in their run & coop is attached ( roughly a qtr acre ). I would love to free range, but it is just not practical on our ranch. Too dangerous.

I am a new chicken owner, but have other livestock & dogs - after losing some to predators, I have no problem using my gun. We have about a dozen Pygmy goats & they are in their own pasture adjacent to the chickens....since I'm still new, can't comment on their benefit ( other than working my fat cattle dogs out ).

By me, many use donkeys to protect their flock, my husband won't let me get one due to his childhood experience of the loud noises they make

Hope you get more input!