Why, Oh, WHY?! Foxes?

[CityChicker]

The very FIRST night my new chicks were outside, they attracted a fox. We are just starting to keep birds outside at our new house in town (in a fairly rural suburb).

We have had ducks out for awhile now, but put our new chicks out yesterday. They were not out even a couple of hours when I heard them all screeching. I go out there to see a fox darting across the yard away from the runs. I chased it off and barely an hour later, I hear them again. I go out there and the fox is now ON TOP of the runs. It jumps down and stands right there just looking at me, so I chase it off again.

Long story shorter, it came back twice again before I went to bed. Luckily, this morning we had no losses. The runs are made out of 1 x 2 welded wire (with tops) with very heavy duty steel framed doors and are staked to the ground. Keep your fingers crossed for me that the fox doesn't find a way in!

 

[Burbs]

It will find a way in. Best look at ways of trying to get rid of the fox.

 

[GrannieD]

City Chicker ~ If it isn't the fox it'll be raccoons & neighborhood dogs..Get electric fence protection for your set up... its easy to do & using the fencer for yards is inexpensive (20-30 $) They are small units ..not the weed chopper kind..I know a fellow with a water fowl breeding farm that uses electric to keep every thing away from his pens...has no trouble..! GrannieD

 

[CityChicker]

Thank you both! We have done very well in the past at keeping out the predators. The way we build the pens with welded wire clipped together with hog rings seems to work really well (they have roofs too). I am *very* worried about the fox though.

It is funny that we never have seen a fox trying to get into one of our pens UNTIL we moved into town. Not only that, but it did not seem hardly frightened by me at all. All of our outdoor lights were on even and it came right up by our patio! I will check into traps and think I will go ahead and buy that electric fence (was going to anyway, just trying to convince the DH that it is necessary).

 

[tiffanyh]

I was thinking the electric fence might be a great back up for you....

 

[mikesbigroo]

can you use a firearm to protect your birds, they will be back until they get what they want or are convinced otherwise:

 

[tiffanyh]

Firearms mean you have to constantly watch, electric fence you can turn on and leave without worry!

 

[Burbs]

On the other hand if it just sits there and looks at you............

 

[Davaroo]

Quote:
You go girl! That is the truth.

Better yet, have both. Layered defense, and all that.

 

[CityChicker]

Unfortunately, I think using a firearm is out of the question. We are the last house in the older subdivision that borders a brand new housing development. Four of the new mini-mansions back to the back part of our property. I'm sure it is not even legal to shoot back there.