Solitary chicken - need advice

[Gertie]

What should I do tonight - after seeing fox this morning?

 

I've always known there were foxes in & around my garden (I guess they are everywhere anyway!)

 

Up until recently they've not really been apparent. This last week, saw fox sunbathing at 5.20am & early this morning I heard frantic bokking. Looked out & fox was in the garden.

 

I do allow my girls supervised free ranging but I know I cannot protect them if a fox leaps out of a hiding spot. It obviously knows my hens are there. I'm happy not to let them free range until I set up some electric fencing.

 

During the day they are in Eglu run. At night I don't lock the Eglu coop door (its too hot at the moment to do that?). The Eglus are directly outside my house (but I work long hours so cannot always keep watch).

 

Are they safe? I know there are no guarantees, but should I do anything tonight differently?

 

Any recommendations?

 

I've read the fox attack sticky so might try wee and hair.

 

Thank you

[merlina]

I do lock mine in the eglu at night (cube 5 hens) and they have been fine

If you're worried about overheating then some extra shade might reassure?

[Gertie]

Thanks Merlina. I could lock them in, I guess. My garden is North facing with plenty of shade. I just know I won't be up as early as they want to be!!!

 

I've just reinforced the 3 runs with lots of extra clips. There's a bucket in the bathroom for my partners wee! My run is on slabs already anyway. I'm going to set up the camera tonight.

[good_egg]

There is a fox that knows where our chooks are but we haven't seen him back in the garden. We saw him when we had the cube run... I never felt safe but I think the cube run is fox proof and it was near the house, as is our WIR... I leave the door open at night. I think you can still leave the eglu door open - if the chooks see the fox I'm sure they will let you know. Poor you

[gavclojak]

It's so horrible, it makes you feel like your under attack doesn't it! I had the same experience several weeks ago. Saw a fox in the garden, thank god the girls were in the cube, but I am still so edgy:(((

[Gertie]

Hi there, thanks for replies. Seemingly no sign of Mr Fox last night. I hope the fox stays away for you too. I'm relatively confident that they are safe whilst in the Eglu or run (though I know omlet/forum says its only fox resistant unless the chooks are locked in the coop itself). As you say, I'd hope the girls would let me know.

 

It's just depressing because I love seeing them enjoying their free ranging time. It's so pleasant & natural to watch & they look so happy. I'm going to try to deter chooks roaming so far by putting up some some temporary netting to keep them contained to an area of patio. At least they can stretch their legs & still go out with me right there. Until I get my electric fencing (for Christmas)!

[Chickabee]

The 'wee' thing is really supposed to work. I always leave the eglu door open tis time of year, I had one incident about a year ago, but the girls went barmy. Woke the whole household, but foxy was off on his heels, not had any more trouble since.

[Gertie]

Foxy was in the garden again this morning. I watched him but all he did was have a drink from the pond. I just felt sorry for him! The girls didn't raise the alarm, so I guess he didn't get too close. I have some wee now so I will pour it around where he seems to enter the garden. Looking forward to that job...not!!!