nataliesbanks Posted October 26, 2010 Share Posted October 26, 2010 Our chickens live in a large walk in run with an eglu. There are three chickens and recently they have become really noisy first thing in the morning and last thing at night, when we go to them it is always because a fox is prowling around. The cage is definately fox proof but they are obviously scared of the fox still. This morning it was pitch black and 5am when their noise woke me up and I ran out to shoo the fox away, which settled them again. Im sure its only a matter of time before the neighbours complain. Has anyone any suggestions on what to do? I have recently bought a fox watch but it seems to make no difference at all. We really dont want to get rid of them but the neighbours are not very friendly, have grumbled about them before and I suspect they will complain soon! thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roobaloo Posted October 26, 2010 Share Posted October 26, 2010 Is the eglu door closed at night? If not, close it....you're already getting up early to shoo the fox so instead, get up 90 mins later to open the Eglu door! If the door is already shut, turn it around so the entrance and air vents are facing away from the houses...put a heavy sheet over the eglu (don't cover the vents, obviously) and hang another sheet on the wall the elgu now faces - this will reduce any excess noise being reflected back to the houses...and hide any prowlers from sight if the hens can see movement through the gaps/vents etc!! Good luck!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roobaloo Posted October 26, 2010 Share Posted October 26, 2010 A third option is electric fencing around your garden! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C&T Posted October 26, 2010 Share Posted October 26, 2010 At least your chooks have the sense to be afraid - ours ignored the fox and carried on eating/drinking... Not sure what to suggest... Do you have an old sheet or something to cover the (bottom half) of the sides of the run, so they can't see the fox? That would still allow ventilation, but reduce their visibility? You could hang it up late afternoon / take it off in the morning before/after the risk of the fox appearing? Hopefully it won't take long for the fox to realise there is no chance of a chicken dinner, and stop wondering by soon... Or at least, not so often! Oops - Cross posted - sorry Roobaloo! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nataliesbanks Posted October 29, 2010 Author Share Posted October 29, 2010 Just since shutting the door and not opening it until 7.30am ish has really worked so far, not a sound from them! Thanks very much for the advice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
