Pullet attacked by fox and saved by cockerel

[Kkoleckar]

So the saga continues unfortunately. There now is a much larger fox in the neighborhood. Got three more of my birds while I was away on a camping trip.. So upsetting. I left the coop doors open so they could get out in this heat we have up here and I knew it was a huge risk. Lucky I didn’t lose the whole flock. Anyone have experience with auto chicken doors?

 

[WingItRanch]

So the saga continues unfortunately. There now is a much larger fox in the neighborhood. Got three more of my birds while I was away on a camping trip.. So upsetting. I left the coop doors open so they could get out in this heat we have up here and I knew it was a huge risk. Lucky I didn’t lose the whole flock. Anyone have experience with auto chicken doors?

I ordered Run-Chicken automatic door and it's worked great. It opens shortly after sunrise and closes shortly after nightfall. It has a safety feature so it doesn't close on a chicken sitting in the doorway but will wait until she moves. You can also change the setting to better suite you but you'll have to check on them nightly to make sure they all make it in on time while they're getting used to the door.

Edited to add that I chose this one because it's battery powered and I have no electricity out at the coop.

 

[CrimsonIdol]

So the saga continues unfortunately. There now is a much larger fox in the neighborhood. Got three more of my birds while I was away on a camping trip.. So upsetting. I left the coop doors open so they could get out in this heat we have up here and I knew it was a huge risk. Lucky I didn’t lose the whole flock. Anyone have experience with auto chicken doors?

I couldn't find one that did everything I wanted so I made one out of a cutting board, a d20 motor, and a smart switch. Have a camera inside so i can make sure all the ladies are in and i can manually control the door or let it run on a schedule. We have electricity running to the coop. If I didn't wed have a solar powered door with a battery.

 

[McChooky]

I understand that for sure I am partial to foxes but anything else I’ve had no issue. However if that fox found its way back somehow that would probably change things but i suppose you are right that taking that chance is putting my flock at risk once again when it could have been dealt with when I caught the thing. I appreciate the insight, it’s hard sometimes to know what’s an appropriate response in this situation for me too so it’s nice to hear others way of doing things experiences.

Their safe zone should be their coop at night and if its not a few improvements may be in order.Glad you got rid of your problem.