Seagazer Posted February 3, 2010 Share Posted February 3, 2010 I can't believe it, Cookie just went absolutely mad through the cat flap - there were 2 foxes in the garden I think they're ganging up on me. It really made my heart pound. I know that there is no way they could free range, I think it would be dodgy even with two of us out in the garden. The foxes just don't care, she went steaming out, they just jumped into next door's, did their business and then had the cheek to walk along the 6 ft fence at the back of the garden where the girls are. Thankfully the girls don't seem too stressed out. I've had one in the garden every day but never two. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted February 3, 2010 Share Posted February 3, 2010 That is very scarey but glad the girls aren't too fazed. Not had experience of foxes yet but I still feel anxious hearing other's stories. Just shows how alert you have to be at this time of the year, well anytime. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted February 3, 2010 Author Share Posted February 3, 2010 We've always had one coming into the garden, there was actuall one dead in the road the other day and I was rather hopefull it might be 'our' one but obviously not. I think they are gorgeous looking but would much rather we didn't have them. Hubby has been mentioning a possible job on the Isle of Man, that would be wonderful, no foxes to worry about Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol U Posted February 3, 2010 Share Posted February 3, 2010 You could always try a Foxwatch. They're not 100% guaranteed to keep foxes out, but we're surrounded by foxes and it has worked for us so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sadietoo Posted February 3, 2010 Share Posted February 3, 2010 Foxwatch made no difference to our persistent visitor...once they know the hens are there, they will include you on their rounds no matter what and they only need to get lucky once..We have foxproofed our garden as much as possible but can't make it completely Fort Knoxfox because of our cat...I wouldn't want him to be unable to get in and out. Following on from some of the recent postings on here I was going to try some "scoot" but haven't got round to ordering it yet. My girls are still only free-ranging under the strictest supervision, (whilst I am armed with a super-soaker) and even then I am not entirely happy. You have my sympathies. Many people seem to think a fox problem is mismanagement...it isn't, it is just rotten luck!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted February 4, 2010 Author Share Posted February 4, 2010 Thanks - I don't think we could do much more because of our cats. I think it was the shock of seeing the two of them together, it just really worried me. OH says that the WIR is very safe for the girls so I'm going to try not to panic. I'm a bit worried that the neighbours might start complaining though, especially as I saw one of them doing rather a lot of toileting in her garden. She's thrown stones at Dave (cat) before and I don't want to give them any excuses to moan about the girls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted February 4, 2010 Share Posted February 4, 2010 Two foxes . I'd be freaked out by one (I've never seen one in our garden ... yet ). Thank goodness for walk in runs . But what a shame you can't relax and let them freerange . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted February 4, 2010 Author Share Posted February 4, 2010 I haven't for ages now ANH, one comes into the garden every day regular as clockwork. We're cleaning them out at the weekend and I'm seriously considering leaving them in the run as we shovel it all out. I'm a complete wimp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emchook Posted February 4, 2010 Share Posted February 4, 2010 We have lots of foxes here too ! You arent the only one ! I have also recently noticed digging marks at the back and the side of the eglu !! This is a new thing ! I havent let my chooks out for ages either .. thank goodness the guys are putting down the concrete slab so I will be able to move their run onto there .. and start planning the WIR ! Bring on the better weather so I can be outside with them more and let them FR ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted February 4, 2010 Share Posted February 4, 2010 WE DO ALL KNOW THEY CAN DIG UNDER THE EGLU NOW I HOPE. Don't want to read anyone else has lost them that way! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky1 Posted February 4, 2010 Share Posted February 4, 2010 I haven't for ages now ANH, one comes into the garden every day regular as clockwork. We're cleaning them out at the weekend and I'm seriously considering leaving them in the run as we shovel it all out. I'm a complete wimp. Hi Seagazer, I sympathise with your plight. I live out in the country and I don't like foxes. Around here I am in good company. So howabout this. If we know the time they are due. Run out the garden hoze with a squirter attachment on it. Pick your moment and give the fox a good soaking. He will still come back but he will be far more wary of you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted February 4, 2010 Share Posted February 4, 2010 I agree they are beatuiful animals, but 2 in your garden Glad your hens were safe WE DO ALL KNOW THEY CAN DIG UNDER THE EGLU NOW I HOPE.Don't want to read anyone else has lost them that way! One occasion Sandy, possibly two. With very loose sandy soil by the look of it. Just trying to avoid everyone panicking with the above statement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted February 4, 2010 Author Share Posted February 4, 2010 Hose sounds like a really good idea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooks Posted February 4, 2010 Share Posted February 4, 2010 either that or a cattapault... ;) the hose sounds like a good idea to be honest, I think that would give it a shock, get one of those trigger connections and have it in a holster ready... ok *I'll get my coat* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patsylabrador Posted February 4, 2010 Share Posted February 4, 2010 In the summer they're often in packs of three or four, running down the road checking out the front gardens, for full bin bags I assume. They must be family groups but other than mating I've only ever seen one at a time in back gardens. It seems like they have a system. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
batcatz Posted February 4, 2010 Share Posted February 4, 2010 I've seen a fox in my garden in the daytime before. Also my neighbour told me this week that there were three in the alleyway near her house!! A couple of weeks ago I heard what seemed like loads of foxes barking in my garden. I couldn't see any when I got up and looked out of the window at 4am. It is scary, but as long as foxes can't get into the run or under the eglu all should be fine. I still let mine out, but only for an hour or so, sometimes less. I do walk around with them as if I am chicken number five though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted February 4, 2010 Share Posted February 4, 2010 I agree they are beatuiful animals, but 2 in your garden Glad your hens were safe WE DO ALL KNOW THEY CAN DIG UNDER THE EGLU NOW I HOPE.Don't want to read anyone else has lost them that way! One occasion Sandy, possibly two. With very loose sandy soil by the look of it. Just trying to avoid everyone panicking with the above statement. that is too many for those families, we don't want anyone else saying they didn't know! no need for any panickinh, a short visitt to gaeden cenyer or buliders merchant where they sell cheap squares of weld mesh. Sorted Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
