Problem Fox?

[0wen]

Again, I live in a suburban area where shooting foxes don't go down well and I don't own a gun.

Right, but as above you either need to secure your coop or eliminate the animal. The fox(es) aren't going anywhere if they have an easy meal available to them and they're smart animals - they'll figure out how to circumvent the chicken wire sooner or later. The only way this resolves is 1.) Predator proof the coop and then it doesn't matter how many foxes stop by 2.) The fox kills your chickens or 3.) You kill the fox (least effective means really if you don't secure your coop because if it isn't the fox, it's the raccoon, or possum, or weasel that eventually kills the chicken)

 

[CookieChicken03]

How would I go about installing an electric fence? I have a layer of chicken wire and a second layer of more sturdier chicken wire on the bottom. I hope it works until we can find the time to install one.

 

[centrarchid]

Den likely very nearby. During a window without dogs or electrified fencing I made job for fox more difficult by placing some loosely rolled fencing against coop walls exposed to the fox. The fox was thus not able to simply chew through or dig under a single panel of fencing. A really persistent fox could do it but you can force fox to redo math as a function of increased effort / risk versus the reward. Even now I have foxes and free-range chickens but the foxes apparently find avoiding my place most of time as being more prudent.

 

[centrarchid]

Electrified poultry netting is the less labor intensive but is more expensive than simply mounting hotwire to coop or very close to it. First option can be done for under $250 while second can be done for under $100.

 

[CookieChicken03]

Den likely very nearby. During a window without dogs or electrified fencing I made job for fox more difficult by placing some loosely rolled fencing against coop walls exposed to the fox. The fox was thus not able to simply chew through or dig under a single panel of fencing. A really persistent fox could do it but you can force fox to redo math as a function of increased effort / risk versus the reward. Even now I have foxes and free-range chickens but the foxes apparently find avoiding my place most of time as being more prudent.

My chickens live in a little coop (I only have 6) and I feel like they are just sitting ducks now. Should I call animal control or put up a loose fence? (How would I go about doing that. Like, with more chicken wire or a legitimate fence)

 

[centrarchid]

Animal control is not a sustainable option for me so I simply do everything myself. Killing predators often takes more effort than other options. Repelling is proactive approach that will help keep more than just current threats at bay.

Show a picture of coop and area around it.

 

[mrjd1981]

I would agree the best option would be security first. Use motion sensing lights or even alarms. If on a budget and dont mind the look I would think about tin cans on fishing line about 12 off ground. He gets tangled and you'd have a trail.

Also a true blue firearm may not be a solution in your area. They are for mine. But most times I reach for my gamo .22 hunting air rifle.

About half the noise of a gunpowder .22 and a lot stronger than the red rider bb gun ralphy had in Christmas story

You tube videos of successful boar hunting with the gamo.


Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

 

[bobbi-j]

A less expensive option than poultry netting is simple electric fencing. Several strands of electrified wire. You would need posts, insulators and wire. Depending on the size of your area, you could do it for less than $250.

 

[CookieChicken03]

I would agree the best option would be security first. Use motion sensing lights or even alarms. If on a budget and dont mind the look I would think about tin cans on fishing line about 12 off ground. He gets tangled and you'd have a trail.

Also a true blue firearm may not be a solution in your area. They are for mine. But most times I reach for my gamo .22 hunting air rifle.

About half the noise of a gunpowder .22 and a lot stronger than the red rider bb gun ralphy had in Christmas story

You tube videos of successful boar hunting with the gamo.


Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

That sound good. I think we have a broken fishing pole somewhere. Thanks! I will still get that picture to you guys just in case.

 

[centrarchid]

How close is nearest power AC outlet? If not close then light duty solar powered fencer can be used. You do not need much zap when predator already slowed by coop structure. Charger I use for such runs about $70 at Tractor Supply.