HELP aggressive chicken

[ISCA]

Hello all, it is long time since I have visited the forum as I have been very busy career wise and am in the middle of exams atm (I am having to revise over Christmas too...Booooooo).

 

Anyway, to cut to the chase. I would do a proper search but time is of the essence and I have a specific question after finding a fox, for the first time in 2 years, sniffing around the chicken coop and run this morning. The hens were in a right panic.

 

My question is:

 

Of all the fox deterrents that are spoken of, which ONE would you say is most effective (I know there are no guarantees)?

 

Just to point out:

 

I have no dog.

I have no gun.

I live in a semi-urban area but near a river/ fields.

We have hedges.

 

Any top tips would be appreciated.

 

I usually let the girls out to FR the garden at weekends. I am assuming the fox will return now it knows where they are, so will have to stop that for now

 

Thanks,

ISCA

[Olly]

Sorry, but i don't think any fox deterrent is entirely effective - you will have to be careful, especially at this time of year when other food may be scarce.

 

i think electric fencing is the best bet, but that's a lot of work/expense and doesn't suit some gardens - I wouldn't use it because of my cats. I've had a Foxwatch and definitely thought it helped to deter the fox, although other people on here would not agree. I don't think the other things- hair, human urine etc -are particularly effective, particularly in urban areas where foxes are very used to humans anyway.

 

Lucky you've seen him, I think the only answer is extreme vigilance.

[Barkisland]

Electrified netting would be my answer. It's quite an outlay, I know, but worth it for the peace of mind. I wouldn't let my girls out without it.

You must have had a dreadful fright when you saw the fox, but thank God your hens were safe.

[Chickybaby]

I too am having fox problems, after 6 years of chicken keeping this is the first time. It appeared about 2 weeks ago and now comes back regularly, although not at the same time and not every day. Electric fencing won't help me because it comes over the sheds and jumps down in to the garden so could easily jump into a wired off area. I tried the male human wee but that never worked, so I'm a bit sceptical about trying any other deterrents. I also have 2 dogs, so a fox watch is out of the question, but the fox doesn't seem that bothered about them, although he does jump back on to the sheds when I let them out to chase him off, then he just sits there staring back at them. Check your run for any small holes that a fox could get in to. I heard recently that if there's a hole/gap the same size as your hand then a fox will be able to get through. I am now paranoid about him getting my chickens so they never come out now unless I can stay with them and I never take my eyes off them. Also make sure a fox can't dig into the run, I've put patio slabs round the edge of my run.

I just hope that I am doing enough but I fear that he'll get them eventually, one way or another. If any one has got any other advice I'd really appreciate it.

[hengirl99]

hello! i have not had a fox attack yet but to keep them away i have heard that human hair and urine keeps them away as they hate the smell ! and if anyone with the same problem and has a dog- then walk the dog around the coop daily before putting your hens to bed!

[hibah]

Take it away Scare it so it knows never to come back!!

or it will always come back!! It may even come Back it DAYLIGHT(Like mine)!! My chicken died bacause of a fox! its a nnightmare after you see them on the ground and then fox then carrying in its mouth!! and ran away with my beutiful chicken Arrrrrr!!

 

R.I.P pepsi