Ana's flock Posted April 19, 2008 Share Posted April 19, 2008 (edited) I've just gone to put all the chooks away and found one of the bottom roosting shelves had moved. I went to put it right only to find good old Oggy Bloomers hidden behind it! That was one of the happiest surprises I've had for a long time. She must have hidden there from the other hens (they're re-establishing pecking order and Oggy is one of the three newcomers). HOWEVER I'm still very wary about foxes and can't wait for the sonic fox deterrent thingamigick to arrive. In the meantime I keep cheking everyting is OK and locking them at night as if this was Fort Knox. This was such an scare - an experience I wouldn't want any chicken lover to have. In the meantime thank the chickens' goddess for 'returning' Oggy. Edited April 19, 2008 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted April 19, 2008 Share Posted April 19, 2008 I'm really sorry to hear your sad news. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazygal Posted April 19, 2008 Share Posted April 19, 2008 what a miracle! My heart sank when I read your post first time round, I bet you are so relieved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnieP Posted April 19, 2008 Share Posted April 19, 2008 phew! I am afraid it is almost inevitable though if you think about it from a foxes view. Once has successfully managed to locate a dinner. It will return time andn time again to get it. If there is a way in, it will keep returning to exploit the opportunity. I bought a foxwatch, run off the mains, after losing a chicken, but remember, according to the instructions, it can take up to 6 weeks folr the fox to "learn" it needs to stay away. I have no proof it works even now, 2 years later. Urine is supposed to be a deterrant, but of course, every time it rains.... I believe the only really safe option is a completely enclosed run, with buried wire below the ground, (or of course, the Omlet run). I lost a hen within 5 minutes of leaving them alone, free ranging in broad daylight. Within hours I actually saw the fox return to find the others. I will never do that again. Good luck with fox proofing your area. It is worth the effort to escape further heartache. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ana's flock Posted April 19, 2008 Author Share Posted April 19, 2008 Thanks for your support - I'm over the moon and have had a long hugging session with Bloomers, (I bet she thought I had finally gone over the edge!) I guess with the foxes is a bit like the proverb: where there's a will, there's a way. ...and hunger when feeding a set of cubs is a powerful motivator. I still wish they'd just go for magpies, woodpigeons or whatever, and leave our chooks alone. I remember my grand-mother (in Spain) used to put a thick layer of 'aliaga' (an extremelly prickly bush that grows in Mediterranean regions) all over the top of her stone-build fence, to stop foxes. I'm tempted to get some razorblade fencing from some army store! (a bit of a problem if I get locket out and want my friend to climb over the fence to open the back door with a spare key!). Can't wait until we're in a position to get a smallholding where I can have a totally enclosed enormous chicken run! (Must remember to buy the lottery ticket for this evening... ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted April 19, 2008 Share Posted April 19, 2008 I'm so glad this story had a happy ending. Great news. You can't afford to give the fox a single opportunity now you know he's around so make sure they're all closed up if you're not there to supervise them. I've never seen a fox in or anywhere near my garden but I never go out of sight of the hens without shutting them in the run - just in case. It's just not worth the risks, is it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted April 19, 2008 Share Posted April 19, 2008 Phew! What a relief Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted April 19, 2008 Share Posted April 19, 2008 You can't relax for a minute re foxes especially at this time of year, as they are hungry and have cubs to feed. I have a foxwatch.....and I do think it is a useful addition to the anti fox strategy, but I would never rely on it totally. Certainly now that he knows where there is a tasty morsel to be had, he is likely to return, so it would be sensible to stay with them whilst they free range. Am glad Oggy Bloomers is OK. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...