mad.hen1 Posted November 1, 2009 Share Posted November 1, 2009 Hello, just wanted to post this as I am so massively upset (a euphemism for the very rude words i would be posting if this was not an online forum.) My two lovely lovely girls Posh and Ginger (Miss pepperpot and ex bat) taken from their run while I was away by one of those hideous canine red things, and while in care of neighbour. haven't spoken to neighbour yet - not because I blame her in any way but because I prefer to cry in private! It was always going to happen because they are out and about all day and I made the decision that they would prefer that than total safety in their eglu. They had a great and full hen life and Ginger would long ago have been in a pie, so that is some consolation I suppose. But I am just soooo upset! Pragmatism only gets you so far and the emotional fall out is massive. I don't know if this is bad protocol for the forum but will ask anyway.... anyone in Wolverhampton area got any chicken wire going beggging? i want to make the hen space more fox proof but finances are really tight. I also want to get more ex-batts but would like to keep them! Thanks for reading, all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henriette Posted November 1, 2009 Share Posted November 1, 2009 How very, very sad. The fact that they had a good life is all important though. Am afraid I can't help with the wire though as I am in France. Also, I am not sure that chicken wire is really fox-proof. If a fox really wants to get in, he can break his way through chicken wire. We use very strong general purpose animal wiring, but I think there is a better solution in the UK. I feel sure someone will inform you correctly. All the best anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted November 1, 2009 Share Posted November 1, 2009 So sorry, mad hen. I too have made the decision to let them free range all the time, so that could always be me. It might be worth thinking of a WIR or electified netting. They seem to be the only sure way of thwarting Mr F. Unfortunately, I gather that once they have had a snack they come back. Tricia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted November 1, 2009 Share Posted November 1, 2009 Sorry to hear it. I agree that chicken wire is no defence against a determined fox. Weld mesh would be much better. I've copied your request over into the 'I've got a good home - Wanted' section, where it might get more viewings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicester_H Posted November 1, 2009 Share Posted November 1, 2009 Also, I am not sure that chicken wire is really fox-proof. If a fox really wants to get in, he can break his way through chicken wire. Yes - please do be careful. Chicken wire is designed to keep chickens in - it is not strong enough to keep foxes out. All the best, H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CluckyBucks Posted November 1, 2009 Share Posted November 1, 2009 Hello, Sorry about whats happened to you and your hens at least they had a better life thanks to you. I agree with the mesh. And apparently lion poo deters foxes, not sure if thats fullproof though. Good luck with everything xx xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cordelia Posted November 1, 2009 Share Posted November 1, 2009 goodness...poor you... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted November 1, 2009 Share Posted November 1, 2009 So sorry to hear that - awful for both you and your neighbour. Sadly I think a secure run is the only safe answer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jools Posted November 1, 2009 Share Posted November 1, 2009 I'm afraid I agree with Olly .... and I free range all of my hens!! Once you've had a fox visit, they will be back again, so unless you can remove the fox, your replacements won't be safe. Sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cluckingmad Posted November 1, 2009 Share Posted November 1, 2009 I'm so sorry But afraid I totally agree - a secure run is the best bet - we have at least one family of urban foxes around where we live who have no fear of humans at all - regularly seen having awash at the bottom of someones drive in broad daylight Our girls originally had the cube run but are now in a WIR, so nice and safe from Mr Fox. *hugs* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BocBoc Posted November 2, 2009 Share Posted November 2, 2009 Oh no, such sad news Just a thought - do you have a Freegle (formerly Freecycle) website local to you? You could pop a message on there for chicken wire / mesh stuff. It's amazing the things you can pick up on there for free. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mad.hen1 Posted November 2, 2009 Author Share Posted November 2, 2009 thanks all possibly being quite thick but whats WIR? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodcat Posted November 2, 2009 Share Posted November 2, 2009 hey I'm really really sorry about your hens losing them is so devestating thanks all possibly being quite thick but whats WIR? It's a walk in run Beth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fluffyfeet Posted November 2, 2009 Share Posted November 2, 2009 Hi there mad.hen1 I'm also in Wolverhampton and lost 3 out of 4 hens to a fox just over twelve months ago. The fox kept coming back for a few nights to try and get the last one but I kept her in the garage for a few days whilst she got over it and we reinforced everything. I am just about to start building a walk in run, and you would be very welcome to drop in for a cuppa and some chicken chat. Chicken wire is NOT fox proof - I am using galvanised weldmesh on mine, with an option to add trip wires, booby traps and land mines if the little wotsit ever comes back - lol. Have you considered asking on Freecycle to see if anyone has anything suitable? Dawn x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mad.hen1 Posted November 2, 2009 Author Share Posted November 2, 2009 Thanks dawn i would like that. Do I need to send you a private message or something? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chook n Boo Mum Posted November 2, 2009 Share Posted November 2, 2009 Hi there mad.hen1 I'm also in Wolverhampton and lost 3 out of 4 hens to a fox just over twelve months ago. The fox kept coming back for a few nights to try and get the last one but I kept her in the garage for a few days whilst she got over it and we reinforced everything. I am just about to start building a walk in run, and you would be very welcome to drop in for a cuppa and some chicken chat. Chicken wire is NOT fox proof - I am using galvanised weldmesh on mine, with an option to add trip wires, booby traps and land mines if the little wotsit ever comes back - lol. Have you considered asking on Freecycle to see if anyone has anything suitable? Dawn x Well they never have these offered on our Freecycle, but I wouldn't be at all surprised one day................. Ours is weldmesh too, can't remember the gauge though, we have put a skirt on it like the Omlet runs...so far so good Sha x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fluffyfeet Posted November 3, 2009 Share Posted November 3, 2009 Dawn x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
