Sooo much pooping

[tonywig]

Hi all

 

I know I could find hundreds of posts about foxes taking chickens but I'm not sure it IS a fox.

 

Yesterday, early evening, my wife went out to make sure they had food and water and give them a treat of an apple. Only two (we had three) came to see. Pile of feathers in the their run area (which is not caged but is surrounded by fencing).

I've had a good lok around and there are no obvious diggings under fence.

 

Would a fox take just one?

Is a pile of feathers a sure sign of a fox or would you be more likely to find a carcass?

I've read about people "scenting" ... what's that and is it effective?

 

Deeply concerned that whatever took her may come back.

Girls are now firmly locked in their (6'x9') home but we've fenced off a big chunk of the garden for them to have as an extended, if less protected, "run" deliberatley so they can range without destroying my lawn (again).

 

Any help or pointers very gratefull received.

[holz]

Sorry to hear about your chicken.

 

I don't know much about foxes really, but I understand they are known for killing for the sake of it, so perhaps wouldn't just take one chicken?

 

As for scenting, this is male urine around the run area/garden, I have also heard tht human hair hung around the run can help.

 

Sorry not to be of more use, I didn't want to read and run!!

[tonywig]

Thanks holz

I'm gutted to lose one.

[holz]

If you fence them in - have you considered an electric fence? They're quite pricey, but worth it if it keeps vermin away.

 

It's awful that you have lost one, I really feel for you both.

[Patricia W]

So sorry to hear about your loss. It sounds like a fox. Have you looked at the sticky at the top of the chickens page? There's a lot of advice in there. Basically, what I have taken from this is that it seems that a good WIR or electric fence are the only sure ways to avoid a visit.

 

 

Tricia

[Roobaloo]

It could've been several things...including a bird of prey. It's unlikely you'd find a carcass with any predator...as the other hens will have raised the alarm, so it would take the body elsewhere as soon as possible.

 

Don't rely on urine or hair to keep your girls safe. You need to look into a more permanent way to keep them safe, such as a secure run.

 

I understand they are known for killing for the sake of it, so perhaps wouldn't just take one chicken?

 

No, foxes will kill several hens at once, but never for the sake of it...they will return and collect each corpse in turn, however most foxes are usually disturbed before they get to return....hence why people assume they just kill "for fun"

[Meganymoo]

I lost a cockeral to a badger!!!!!!!!!!!

[majuka]

Very sorry to hear about your girl.

[tonywig]

Thanks all for responses

Cannot use electric fence as we have cats.

Think it may be time to invest in another FoxWatch (last one packed up after very cold spell when it filled with snow). Cannot tell you how much I wish I'd bought it months ago

[Daphne]

You can have an electric fence and cats - we do! Once that inquisitive nose has hit the fence it doesn't do it again. Foxy may well have taken your girl and the carcass, sadly its quite common to just find a pile of feathers. I'd encourage you to investigate a fence, it works for me and 2 neighbours.

[tonywig]

Thanks Daphne

Maybe I'll have a look then.

 

Anyone?

What's a "WIR"? Cannot figure out the acronym (must be getting old ... er)

[Daphne]

Walk in Run