Millie-Annie Posted December 7, 2016 Share Posted December 7, 2016 The security light came on, OH says is that a dog in the garden, no its a huge, great, handsome fox. Flipping enormous it was. I knew they were about but I have never ever seen one in our garden before. I'm sure its not the first time, but I am now scared to let the girls out. But because of the feather pecking they only have a half a run, as the ex-batts are in the other half. For a Brahma and an Orpington a small run seems cruel all day, but dare I let them out when I am at work? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beantree Posted December 7, 2016 Share Posted December 7, 2016 They need to stay in the run Millie-Anne, even when you are at home but not in the garden. You perhaps need to arrange for a bigger secure run, but the fox certainly knows a meal is there and will be back repeatedly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackrocksrock Posted December 7, 2016 Share Posted December 7, 2016 Government legislation they have to stay in their run anyway for the next 30 days Avian flu threat! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted December 7, 2016 Share Posted December 7, 2016 As Blackrocksrocks says, for the next thirty days they need to be kept in anyway. I don't know whereabouts you are, but I would never let my hens out without being present - they would be gone within a couple of hours. About four weeks ago I was IN the garden - talking on the phone and quite visible - when I saw a fox at the end of the garden watching the hens, who were free-ranging. I'm still amazed that he didn't take one before I saw him. Even then he (or she) hung around the end of the garden and only disappeared after I'd lobbed a few windfall apples at him. I think you've been lucky if you've got away with it so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Millie-Annie Posted December 7, 2016 Author Share Posted December 7, 2016 I've got away with it for 7 years, even with foxes around, 3 doors down feed them. I've just never seen one in our garden. When I had my ex-batts, BHWT said, if they get taken by a fox tomorrow, you have still given them the best 24 hours of their lives. There is no way I would keep them in permanently, that feels cruel. I would rather not have them, but I will keep them in while I am at work. As you say they have to stay in for 30 days anyway. Poor things Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
