4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[katieadams]

Well I've gone from 'they're staying in the run' to 'they can come out under supervision' to 'they can come out when the kids are out with them' to having a trot out unsupervised

 

I decided today that I can't in fact wait for the housework fairy and I must at some point stay in the house to do the housework myself - but I didn't want that to mean the chickens are staying in so I'm being extra brave and letting them play out on their own

 

I've just successfully made pastry and then a round of sandwiches without taking my eyes off the window, and then I promised myself I would eat my lunch before I got back up to check on them again, and I was back at the window before I'd swallowed my last mouthful

 

They are of course fine, I just can't help checking them!! So much for not getting too attched

[Olly]

umm. I don't know if you're in a rural area or a built-up one ... I won't let mine out unless I am in the garden with them, because I know how bold the local foxes are.

 

If you're in a rural area then they are probably a bit more scared of humans. I'm afraid it's a myth that foxes only attack at dawn or dusk. Sorry to sound a negative note, we all have to make a judgment based on our local knowledge!

[katieadams]

We live in a very rural area but a few houses in a cluster (imagine houses facing out in a square with the middle divided into gardens) and there's a 6 foot fence all around each garden - I'd be stunned to see a fox in the garden, I've seen more deer than foxes since we moved here! They're not really unsupervised as it turns out, I'm probably paying more attention to them than I do when I'm out there

[tania]

we are rural and I let the girls free-range outside of the electric fenced area for about 3 hours a day, unsupervised. They love it and I take the risk (and I know it's a big one) but they love it so much. We do have the dogs as well which may deter a fox a little bit. Go for freedom that's what I say

[Budgies]

it's lovely to watch your girls freeranging isn't it?

 

Just don't underestimate the risk - I'm in a suburban area with back gardens all backing onto each other, also with 6foot fences round each one - and Mr Fox regularly climbs in and sits on top of the chicken run!

[katieadams]

it's lovely to watch your girls freeranging isn't it?

 

Just don't underestimate the risk - I'm in a suburban area with back gardens all backing onto each other, also with 6foot fences round each one - and Mr Fox regularly climbs in and sits on top of the chicken run!

 

Cheeky monkey They had a good few hours today with only window supervision - I do keep a sharp eye out though!

[Budgies]

Cheeky or maybe desperate! At this time of the year many foxes are raising cubs and they will do anything for a meal.

 

Our Omlet cover was trashed and we found the fox had tried to bite it's way through the run recently - there was blood on the run where it had tried so desperately to get in at my girls in the night.

 

They even come into my garden if I'm there during the day - and I own a dog!

 

I think that foxes are becoming increasingly displaced from their natural habitat and are getting braver out of necessity.

 

Glad you had such a great time watching your wee ladies, there's nothing like it! I'd rather watch them than tv!

[Guest]

My neighbours ducks geese and silkies all free range out along our village greens and she has had them taken from a few feet whilst she has been standing with them in her garden (under her nose) agree Fox is v bold and quick.

I was in my house looking out patio doors and my son said mum fox ..it was sitting in our garden eyeing up the 50+ ducks that were on our lawn and they all froze..Fox could not believe its luck ..mind u i legged it up the garden in a state of disarray ..with mr fox and a mallard in its mouth....

dont underestimate..and it will often kill more than one

 

Sorry to sound such a lecture but having such delicious fresh food on offer who can blame fox

indie

[Abbey Road Girl]

This is a most difficult dilemma! "To free, or not to free, that is the question'. I try to do all my errands away from home in the morning while the girls are laying and eating their organic layers pellets whilst in the Cube nest box and run. This is not always possible, not least because I'm not a morning person!

 

Because I haven't yet been able to fix the extension due to needing my over-worked son's help, I sometimes have to decide to let the hens free range when I need to go out.

 

It helps that six days out of seven for many months there has been construction work (replacing sewers) going on in the passage behind my back garden. (Don't know how the chickens tolerate the noise and vibrations, but they seem to accept it as 'just one of those things').

 

Am very aware that this time of year Mr Fox will be most eager to find food.

 

Good luck to everyone and their chooks!

[badgerbluebadger]

Our fox has not been back since my husband kicked it in order for it to let go of Sam. Shouting didn't work!!

 

Since then I always keep an eye on them from the lounge as we have french doors so I can see in my garden - foxes are quick and you really are risking losing one of girls if your not careful.

 

I know how bad I felt and was just very lucy my husband saw the fox in time and Sam was not hurt only a few lost feathers on her wing.

 

I think the electric fence is a super idea if you don't have the time to watch them.

 

Sorry nag over

[TAJ]

We live in a very rural area but a few houses in a cluster (imagine houses facing out in a square with the middle divided into gardens) and there's a 6 foot fence all around each garden - I'd be stunned to see a fox in the garden, I've seen more deer than foxes since we moved here! They're not really unsupervised as it turns out, I'm probably paying more attention to them than I do when I'm out there

 

I went through these stages and got to the 'as long as I am in earshot its fine'. Like you we go onto countryside, had never seen a fox and have a 6 ft fence. However after 12 months of doing this at 11 am one morning a fox was in the garden and inside the Omlet netting about 1m away from my girls - I rushed out and chased him off, but he just jumped up and over the 6ft fence.

 

As you can imagine it is now under supervision only here - seeing is believing trust me.

 

Tracy