Predators.......

[Well Seasoned]

So far, black bear, bobcat, and fox. The fox is the tricky one. The birds are well secured, except against bears. One could easily tear the hardware cloth right off the run, at night- they are secure, but during the day while at work, they are vulnerable. We know fish and game well (YES, the north woods law guys ) and they suggest electrifying the coop. We have this on deck in the next couple weeks. Meanwhile for anyone hoping to identify and catch a predator in action- besides for a solar motion light, we've integrated an audible motion sensor that can be turned on or off. We turn it on during the overnight hours and it goes off about once a week. This allows me to get up and see what's lurking. It's kept the bears away and bobcat, but the fox is smart. There's a humane trap waiting for him should he show up, where ill relocate him to the game preserve about a 20 minutes drive from here. It came after our girls one evening, but they got away- what a miracle! Fox can and will learn your schedule and attack at the perfect time. Unfortunately for him he got busted.

 

[keesmom]

Not that you are likely to trap the fox, but do you have permission to relocate where you are? Being so close I would expect it could return.

Game cameras are a good way to determine what's out there. Getting an electric fence will help too.

 

[Chelsa'sChicks]

Good luck trapping a fox. Unless it's a baby.. the adults are wicked smart. Hope all works out!!

 

[Well Seasoned]

I've been baiting since the attack, he likes fried chicken. Yes, relocation is fine where i will take it. Unlikely it'll make its way back being so far, but it is possible. Most here would kill it, not me unless it is an immediate threat. I know its doing what is only natural, but not my girls.

I'll update if anything happens

 

[Chelsa'sChicks]

I agree. I tried to trap a fox for the same reason.. I didn't want to kill it, i get it. Unfortunately, she wouldn't go in the damn trap. I'm talking used non scented gloves, covered the trap with natural branches and such, and the trap was big enough to fit a 5'4" human... used fried chicken. I did however catch every racoon on the property. They were set free as my quarrel was not with them. The fox met the 17 after killing 8 of my birds, and to fox hell she went.

 

[Well Seasoned]

I agree. I tried to trap a fox for the same reason.. I didn't want to kill it, i get it. Unfortunately, she wouldn't go in the damn trap. I'm talking used non scented gloves, covered the trap with natural branches and such, and the trap was big enough to fit a 5'4" human... used fried chicken. I did however catch every racoon on the property. They were set free as my quarrel was not with them. The fox met the 17 after killing 8 of my birds, and to fox hell she went.

We'll see what happens. Clear shot at 50 yards from the bathroom window if it continues.

 

[Chelsa'sChicks]

We'll see what happens. Clear shot at 50 yards from the bathroom window if it continues.

Lol yep. Good luck! Let us know if you get him!

 

[llombardo]

Out this way, the local trapper caught the same fox in a trap two weeks in a row. It was released both times, because that is not what he was trying to catch.

 

[True Patriot]

Try wet cat food for the fox. Had some success a few years back helping a neighbor with the same problem. If you relocate have the trap handy. If you create a vacuum something will fill it.

 

[sourland]

I've been baiting since the attack, he likes fried chicken. Yes, relocation is fine where i will take it. Unlikely it'll make its way back being so far, but it is possible. Most here would kill it, not me unless it is an immediate threat. I know its doing what is only natural, but not my girls.

I'll update if anything happens

If you have been baiting him, a box trap may work. I have trapped/snared a lot of red fox, but only 4 in box traps. One was an adult male with a broken lower jaw - poor thing was starving, and the other 3 were kits. Most wild animals have a strong homing instinct, and I doubt that 20 miles poses a return problem for a fox.