Julianna Posted November 29, 2009 Share Posted November 29, 2009 We have just intercepted a fox running off with Angelina in its mouth. It was about 9.30am, and they were within the fenced area of the garden (not electrified). Angelina seems absolutely fine and immediately went back to scratching about, but now we're really worried about letting them out at all. They love being out so we don't want to restrict them , but equally couldn't bear it if they died and we could have done something to prevent it. What a dilemma..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted November 29, 2009 Share Posted November 29, 2009 Thank goodness she was OK . At least you've had a warning without a tragedy . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicken Shirl Posted November 29, 2009 Share Posted November 29, 2009 Goodness! so many fox posts. Glad your girls are OK. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jools Posted November 29, 2009 Share Posted November 29, 2009 TBH now the fox knows they're there, he will be back again. I'm sorry to say that unless you're outside with them, they'll need to be confined in a fox-proof run for their own safety. I read in a book that you (and therefore yor chickens) have to be lucky every day or night, whereas the fox only needs to be lucky once. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted November 29, 2009 Share Posted November 29, 2009 Electric fencing? yes once they have found they will come back, he/she will watch and wait,. have even read of one coming over a fence while talking to neighbour. cunning and clever and getting hungry nw it is colder & bunnies not so accessible too! back to forum and found this viewtopic.php?f=5&t=55746 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xScrunchee Posted November 30, 2009 Share Posted November 30, 2009 I agree that now the fox knows they are there-it will be back. Some people have the opinion-'better a short happy life than a long miserable one.' and make the choice to still let their hens free range all day. I have my own way of looking at things and choose to let my hens have a 'long, happy life' so I make sure that they are protected and safe. No idea why people think you have to choose between short and happy or long and miserable. Surely long and happy is an option?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky1 Posted November 30, 2009 Share Posted November 30, 2009 Some good points above. We started leaving our gals in the cube run, for most of the morning, when they started laying out and after one got killed on the road. Its true that they squawk and whine to be let out, but then when they are let out some of them stay in the run in any case, the rest squawk and whine for a treat or whatever they think they can get. I just think it is in their nature. The ducks seem to take what's given without a word. Now I love to see them FR but I think they still have a good and happy life if they are confined to the run. Anything has to be better than being kept as a battery hen. Just my 2 cents but don't do the guilt trip. Safe is best. Let's face it that every chicken we keep is one less battery hen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mostin Posted November 30, 2009 Share Posted November 30, 2009 Electric fencing would me the option I would go for in your situation. I would cave with those eyes looking at me begging to be let to free range . HENthusiastic has a very large enclosure of her field electric fenced now as some of her girls were taken by foxes, they are all very happy playing in there now, and only get taken if they are daft enough to go outside it and trot off round the field. Only happened to a leghorn so far I think, who are very flighty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
