Fox control - any ideas?

Sarahsaver

I have got double catches on the chicken run, so i cant even get in it without a struggle. Mr - or Mrs. fox is still sniffing around howling and growling at my hens. Am i allowed to shoot it, trap it or snare it? Where can you get a cheap fox trap? Seen some on ebay and they cost way too much.

squeaky

I googled on "fox control" and got this site which looks very informative:-


http://www.basc.org.uk/content/foxsnarepractice

Sarahsaver

oh thats great, snaring foxes is allowed:)
seen a set of snares on ebay for £4.

loobyloose

You cant snare, trap or shoot them im afraid, you'll have all the do-gooders after you!
They are a pest and they set my dogs off barking during the night, just make sure your run is totally fox proof, check for digging everyday and they will soon get lost! perhaps you can put some carrier bags out in the garden, when the wind blows them it will scare them and they run off for a short while.
perhaps put some dog food laced with something in it

squeaky

Sarahsaver wrote:

oh thats great, snaring foxes is allowed:)
seen a set of snares on ebay for £4.

To be honest I think you'd be wasting time and money. Foxes, as far as I know, have their own patches. If you succeeded in removing your own "residents" then neighbouring foxes would simply move in and take over the vacant space.

So, as was said a bit earlier, I reckon you'd be better off ensuring your foxproofness

Sarahsaver

The hens are pretty secure, as for do-gooders they can mind their own business! I have clumps of hair tied around and other deterrents. Would anti-vandal paint and wall spikes help? Had them ages to deter criminals/cats, never got round to putting them up!

leonie_2

Yeah good old, 'go-gooders' lets look after the little foxes. But where are they when the poor hens get slaughtered! It makes my blood boil!

We have the locks on the run, also on the coop, but I still worry that its only a matter of time...

There is a fox around here that often can be seen during the day. my neighbour, bless her, runs round if she spots it first.

At the moment, my three hens are sunbathing on my patio, wings stretched out lol. They free range during the day. I think theres not a lot you can do besides locks and maybe getting a male to pee around the coop!

WeirdoMagnet

As Squeaky says foxes have their own patch, and so even if you exterminate your current pack, another lot are likely to move in, especially since the potential food source (the chickens) is still there.

There are some alternative deterrents available - try this link.

Foxwatch Electronic Deterrent - claims to be "the most successful fox deterrent ever invented".

cha97michelle

My FIL has great fun with a catapult and clay stones. They move them on if you catch them at it.

Firming up the perimeter of your garden may help if it makes it harder for them to get in they may not bother.

Sarahsaver

I have a wall which is from 6 foot in places to nearly 8 in others. It gets in anyway:(

sleepless_saver

I was reading this idea for keeping hens safe from foxes. Main problem seems to be training the hens to climb!