Part 0800.0005

[Sandychick]

My chickens were attacked by a fox on Saturday - it was awful. The outcome was the best possible under the circumstances though. I was in the garden at the time and thankfully got there quick enough for 3 of them to escape unharmed. Amber was in the foxes mouth when I chaced it off, and assumed at this point it was too late. Amber escaped though and I imagined the worst. She was obviously shocked, but no visable injuries at all. She has not been her usual self, but back to normal today. Nothing worse than a lot of missing feathers.

 

I have to admit, that after 2 years with no problems, I had got forgotten to be as vigilant as I should have been, and put the poor hens at risk. I really just wanted to send a reminder to anyone doing the same, that it really isn't worth it. If I was in the house, or nipped down to the shop etc ( as I often did), the outcome would have been very different.

 

They are now in their WIR unless I am quite literally with them. We have put the old eglu run (+ext) on the end as an extension, with a doorway from the WIR. This has given them a lot of foxproof space and they seem perfectly happy......and safe!!

[Redwing]

Good advice Sandy, its easy to fall in to being relaxed about free ranging

 

I'm glad that your hens seem ok

 

I've had a few ripped shades and paw marks on my houses and runs this last week or so and a fox killed and ate a rabbit in full view of my (rather hysterical) garden chooks the other day

 

Vixens have cubs at foot so the demand for food has increased

[sadietoo]

Just wanted to say that I'm so pleased that the outcome wasn't worse...but a nasty shock for you all nevertheless.

 

And you are quite right to post the warning...just because you haven't seen a fox near at hand doesn't mean there isn't one lurking.....

 

Sounds like your girls have a great WIR set up, and will be fine.

[scarlettohara]

I'm pleased they are OK Slightly off thread - is it safe to leave the cube door open at night, I have a 3m cube run attached which is held down with tent pegs on grass.

[chicken bark]

I'm pleased they are OK Slightly off thread - is it safe to leave the cube door open at night, I have a 3m cube run attached which is held down with tent pegs on grass.

 

Personally I wouldn't risk it. Could you put a row of slabs down around the edge?

[Olly]

I never closed the Eglu or Cube door when I had the Omlet run attached and I didn't have anything weighing the skirt down - it's unlikely that a fox could lift it, it weighs quite a bit. If you're on soft ground and think a fox could dig under, then it wouldn't be safe, but otherwise I would say it's worth the risk. It's a matter of choice though, some people prefer the door shut for extra safety.