newcountrygirl Posted November 11, 2012 Share Posted November 11, 2012 Suddenly for the past two days I have had to physically drag Ziggy up the field. Prior to this she has always raced up it. Also - last night we went to bed and about half an hour later she started barking. Went in and calmed her down then she started again about 5 0'clock this morning. I couldnt see anything outside or hear anything (sometimes it's noisy pheasants) but she has definately been spooked for the past couple of days. Wondered if it was a fox - but normally she is fearless. Any ideas anyone? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lillybettybabs Posted November 12, 2012 Share Posted November 12, 2012 The scent of a fox could be unsettling her, Has she had a fallen or got caught up in brambles or are there loads of nettles or thistles in the field? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newcountrygirl Posted November 12, 2012 Author Share Posted November 12, 2012 No nettles or anything where she walks. Usually she is fine. I was talking to my neighbour who said that there was a big dog fox in the neighbourhood so it could be that he has been prowling. Yesterday when I went out with her she sat down and refused to move. OH came out and she walked up the field with him - no problem. She must think he can handle foxes. I took her this morning and although slightly reticent she soon perked up and seemed back to her normal self. The only other thing I can think of is that she is in season and is usually more of a homebody at this time, so maybe the scent of a fox unsettled her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lillybettybabs Posted November 12, 2012 Share Posted November 12, 2012 Could be, Foxes will pick up on her scent too and may come closer, keep an eye on your hens if they FR. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 12, 2012 Share Posted November 12, 2012 Her season probably has a lot to do with it. Going by the times of day that you mention, my guess is a fox too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lillybettybabs Posted November 12, 2012 Share Posted November 12, 2012 Don't worry they can hybridize. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 12, 2012 Share Posted November 12, 2012 Don't worry they can hybridize. I think LBB meant to post 'can't'... blasted Blackberry! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lillybettybabs Posted November 12, 2012 Share Posted November 12, 2012 lol... yes i did. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newcountrygirl Posted November 12, 2012 Author Share Posted November 12, 2012 She has been fine today. I am not letting the hens FR at the moment and they are in a secure run (hopefully) so the hope is that Mr Fox can't get my girls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
