Dogs Too Posted March 24, 2008 Share Posted March 24, 2008 It is with great sadness that I have been reading of recent fox attacks. I too have been visited but I was extremely fortunate in not having any birds taken or injured. It would appear, judging by this forum, that fox attacks are on the increase, probably as there are vixens with young to feed. I did take steps to protect my girls in buying one of those ultrasonic fox deterents (not Foxwatch). It did not work and I still had visits, my two dogs ran past it after the fox without batting an eyelid so back it went and I demanded my money back, which i got. So what next.....ELECTRIC FENCING I now have fence tape thread on poly posts at a number of different heights. remember it isn't a physicl barrier like a piece of weldmesh, all it needs is that a fox must touch it whilst trying to get through I have it around the Eglu and run and also the small extended run area. Its on day and night. I have not had any disturbances since. It is not too expensive, the energiser is a Shrike, £45 from Mole Valley Farmers (on line) nornmally this unit is £76.... bargain ... poly posts about £15.00 for 10, tape about £20.00 for 100m (tape can be white or green and comes in various widths), few bits £10.00 1/2hr later job done. The batteries work for MONTHS and the little indicator will tell you when to change them. These units do work, they keep a friends otters in and foxes out. The Shrike could be used for chicken netting but I am unsure how long a piece it can cover. You can use wire to secure the perimeter of your garden, have a look at what bits are available but with a Shrike so cheap electrification is now a vialble option for the garden. This is what I have done and I hope it may be of use to others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 24, 2008 Share Posted March 24, 2008 That is really helpful....thanks. If only the girls could free range in peace. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane 20 Posted March 24, 2008 Share Posted March 24, 2008 Thanks for this - the OH has been muttering about electric fencing for a while (has no confidence in foxwatch) I will show this to him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superjules Posted March 24, 2008 Share Posted March 24, 2008 Hmm, sounds interesting. What heights do you have the wires, and how close together? I've got some omlet netting, which I think has the capacity to be electrified with the right equipment, but I've always thought a fox would just jump over it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogs Too Posted March 24, 2008 Author Share Posted March 24, 2008 what I have done is just to use all the hooks on the poly posts, the posts are 1m high and this gives 6 strands, the first only an inch or so high, one sniff and he's zappppped! When foxes jump they tend to scrabble over so the loose net away from any other support, ie fences or trees etc may well do if electrified. BUT I am no expert, a game keeper friend did say that loose fences ie not tensioned put off foxes as they wobble when they try and launch from them. If people want more details of what I have done PM me and we can get in contact Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted March 24, 2008 Share Posted March 24, 2008 My experience of foxes is that they climb fixed structures (fences, walls) easily, where they can jump up and then catch on to the top of the structure to climb over. I don't think they have huge jumping power in the back legs that would enable them to just jump OVER an obstacle, so the loose Omlet netting would probably put them off; they are more likely to try and force a way through, and get a shock in the process. I don't think I could use electric fencing because of my cat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KTee Posted March 24, 2008 Share Posted March 24, 2008 (edited) I was on another site last year when I was looking for a fox deterrent, and foolishly bought a Foxwatch, where one correspondent was describing his problems with foxes. He had a run over 6ft high but not covered by netting. Foxes were getting in and taking his hens. He was completely stumped until one day he found a fox in the run with a broken leg. There were tree branches overhanging the run and he speculated that the fox was climbing the tree, jumping down and then climbing on top of the hen house and back over the fence. Resourceful blighters! Edited March 25, 2008 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superjules Posted March 24, 2008 Share Posted March 24, 2008 Foxes will use anything as a leg up - when I was investigating how a fox got into our garden, over a 6' fence, I saw footprints on my neighbour's wheelie bin. It only takes one of your neighbours to leave something next to a fence and a fox will be in, no matter how high your fence. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogs Too Posted March 26, 2008 Author Share Posted March 26, 2008 I don't think I could use electric fencing because of my cat. i think they will learn very quickly not to touch! Even chickens do! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajm200 Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 It seems like a good idea if you haven't got other pets or children... not suitable for us as our toddler is automatically drawn to anything dangerous that he shouldn't touch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superjules Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 Yes, I can imagine my kids coming in from the garden with smouldering hair!!! And my springer with a perm! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...