Hinksy Posted March 13, 2010 Share Posted March 13, 2010 Fox Damage, Might sound a bit of a morbid question but prevention being better than cure, Have setup our Chicken coop in the garden now and made it as secure as we can. Have heard and read a few posts about fox’s damaging chicken coops trying to get in. Can anyone tell me what sort of damage they can cause? This way if there are any possible vulnerable areas of the chicken coop then I can fix this. We have the following Coop, what sort of damaged could a fox do to it? http://www.feelgooduk.net/62-egg-ark-9-all-in-one-chicken-coop-run-set.html I have already replaced the roof and reinforced all the bottom wood and dug down panels of gravel board to try to stop digging around the sides. What else can we do? Thanks Jai Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevie Posted March 13, 2010 Share Posted March 13, 2010 It certainly looks sturdy enough so i think you will be alright against foxes.Its also a real nice looking coop! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted March 13, 2010 Share Posted March 13, 2010 I agree, it looks great . I've always thought it was the ground rather than the coop itself that was vulnerable to foxes as they can be very determined diggers. If you've sunk gravel boards in the ground, hopefully that will deter them. I would just keep a weather eye open for any signs of digging . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted March 13, 2010 Share Posted March 13, 2010 That looks lovely! Could the fox dig under the sides - as long as you've got boards down that should be ok. Could the doors be opened, or could that tray be slid out? Foxes are quite cunning and persistent, so don't rely on swivel catches for example - ideally the sort of catch or fastening that needs an opposable thumb is the best safeguard. Other than that, I think your hens should be fine in there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abwsco Posted March 13, 2010 Share Posted March 13, 2010 As Olly says I would check how secure the fastenings are on the door, poo tray and nestbox. My friend lost some girls to a fox when it ripped the back of her coop.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted March 13, 2010 Share Posted March 13, 2010 I purchased "no dig skirts" for our wooden and mesh runs, can't recall where from, maybe Regency Poultry or Wells? But think it will come up if you search "no dig skirts", they come made to your measurements. Also pleas check the nest box, 1. that ther is a very secure bolt. 2. that the bottom is secure and not push out panels, no personal exp nor seen yours, just read that the nest boxes are vulnerable on some and HAVE had sad outcomes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hinksy Posted March 14, 2010 Author Share Posted March 14, 2010 Thanks very much for the replies and kind words about the coop , Have changed most of the catches on it now to have locks on with padlocks and make it harder to just open and go so to speak. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickyhazel Posted March 15, 2010 Share Posted March 15, 2010 Looks great so I think your chickens will be safe! If you are letting them free-range though make sure all holes in hedges, fences, etc are fixed and that the garden is secure. Also, always watch your chickens when they free-rang just in case! Hazel, Ranger, Audi, Porsche, RIP Chestnut, +1 not named Noodle x1 (new today!) x1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 I think the main points are a fox digging its way in if the run is on bare earth, and biting its way through mesh that is not robust enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
