Noodle Posted November 12, 2007 Share Posted November 12, 2007 My darling Tatty has just been pinned to the garden fence by a fox. No matter how much screaming and banging I did, he would not let her go for what seemed like ages...prob only a few seconds though. I was standing by the back door when he came into the garden. My other two girls seem fine and I got them back into the run quickly with some cooked rice. But Tatty would not be caught. I managed to get her back into the run, but have not been able to examine her and now she is sitting all hunched up by the eglu and I can't reach her. I am so upset. I have not had my girls for long but love them to bits as we all do, I was ademant (spelling??) that they should free range when I was at home and have always kept a good eye on them. But I will not be able to let them free range anymore. I am so upset by this and can't stop crying ... silly old fool that I am. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tina C Posted November 12, 2007 Share Posted November 12, 2007 Have a good cry - I would too. I have not had the misfortune to encounter a fox but I would be devastated if my girls had to be confined after over a year of free-range fun. But - better that than the alternative. Someone will be along soon to give advice about getting a Fox Watch. That may be an option for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tina C Posted November 12, 2007 Share Posted November 12, 2007 Forgot to say - hope Tatty is OK and recovers from her fright. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted November 12, 2007 Share Posted November 12, 2007 Oh no - poor you, sounds like both you and Tatty have had a shock. If there's no actual damage, she will get over it - you might consider bringing her into the house in a box for a bit, to keep her warm and make sure she eats. I think you should also give yourself a big pat on the back for coming to the rescue, and have a stiff ... er, cup of tea or something stronger. It's a horrible experience. At least you were there, and now you know that you daren't let them free-range. Get a Foxwatch to deter him from coming into the garden, and let them out when you can - they will be fine even if they don't free-range as much as you'd like. I would love to let mine out more, but know that I have to be around to supervise. The silver lining to that, is that I get loads of gardening done - I have to do something to keep warm! Fingers crossed that Tattie recovers quickly - maybe some porridge with raisins in would tempt her? Let us know how she gets on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted November 12, 2007 Share Posted November 12, 2007 PS - I got my Foxwatch from http://www.primrose-london.co.uk/ - if you ordered today, it would probably come tomorrow! I wouldn't rely on it as an absolute deterrent, but it will definitely put him off hanging around your garden or using it as a shortcut. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenlass Posted November 12, 2007 Share Posted November 12, 2007 You poor poor sole!! I'm not surprised you've been crying. Have a good scream too I would. I pray that the chicken is just in shock and not seriously injured. I'm sure one of the more expert chicken owners on here will see your post shortly and offer some good advice about the poor girl. sending you and your chicks a huge hug.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted November 12, 2007 Share Posted November 12, 2007 Oh poor Tattie. Thank goodness you were there to come to the rescue. I would get a Foxwatch. Whilst you can't rely on them totally, I think they are useful. I hope you both get over your shock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisa33 Posted November 12, 2007 Share Posted November 12, 2007 Big hugs to you. You must be so shaken up. I hope you are both OK. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WitchHazel Posted November 12, 2007 Share Posted November 12, 2007 Poor Tattie, and Poor you! Have a good cry, it'll help you get over the shock. I don't have any constructive advice to add to that which you've already had. Oh, except perhaps maybe some electrifed netting? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superjules Posted November 12, 2007 Share Posted November 12, 2007 It's very fortunate you are so vigilant, otherwise she may not be here at all. That must be one bold fox. Have a cup of coffee and a bit of a cry. I hope Tattie is ok. Since we saw signs of a fox visit OH has been scent-marking the garden, a chicken-breeder friend of mine swears by it. Not sure he'll be so keen in the colder weather though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tessa the Duchess Posted November 12, 2007 Share Posted November 12, 2007 I'm so sorry this happened to you and Tattie, hope she recovers from her ordeal I would second Olly's advice and invest in a Foxwatch, I haven't seen our regular fox visitor since I got one. Once you get over the shock of what happened today, maybe you will feel brave enough to let them freerange for a short while every day, I save up all the kitcheny chores and get on with them keeping a keen eye out as the chicken free range, I confess I have also moved my laptop onto the kitchen table so I can read the forum and watch my girls Hope you feel better soon. Tessa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henhathnofury Posted November 12, 2007 Share Posted November 12, 2007 I am so sorry that this has happened to you and your hens. You must feel shaked and terribly shocked. I too have a Foxwatch and the girls free range all day. My other half also puts out his wee on the borders of the garden - this is a great deterrent. Cyber hugs and remember that here is a good place to tell us - non-hen people just don't understand how dotty we get about our girls. We know though..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noodle Posted November 12, 2007 Author Share Posted November 12, 2007 Thank you all for you thoughts and sympathy. No one else would understand what this has been like today. I have been feeling very shaky. I have had some rescue remedy and put some in the girls water glug. I still cannot get hold of Tatty, everytime I try to, the other two tell me all about their ordeal. I have to say that I have never seen any signs of a fox near or in my garden. My garden is small (about 3.5 x 9.5 meters) and surrounded by a six foot fence. The fox must have sussed out that they were there as I would have been able to see him skulking round the garden. He was so quick. Thanks for the fox watch link, not sure if I can use as I have cats but will make some enquires. I still do not think I will be able to let my chooks out in the near future. Feel very sad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted November 12, 2007 Share Posted November 12, 2007 It won't affect cats...they hear on a different frequency. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WitchHazel Posted November 12, 2007 Share Posted November 12, 2007 not sure if I can use as I have cats but will make some enquires. Hi Noodle It won't affect cats. I have cats, so I phoned Foxwatch to find out before putting it on my "to buy" list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweety Posted November 12, 2007 Share Posted November 12, 2007 Hi Noodle, So sorry to hear about your ordeal and I hope that Tatty recovers soon. Just wanted to say that I have cats too, and they aren't affected by my foxwatch so do try it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 12, 2007 Share Posted November 12, 2007 I've seen people on here say foxes can jump 6ft fences and I can't argue with that as I don't know, but what are the other entrance and exit points to your garden? Are there any weak points in the fence, gaps, holes at the bottom of the fence where he could have squeezed under the gate or do you have a wrought iron gate with gaps? Or, do you think he did just jump over the fence? if so, there may be a way of putting something on the top of your fence, might be worth investigating? Just so we can rule that out and then try and think of some other solutions for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheshire Chooks Posted November 12, 2007 Share Posted November 12, 2007 Sorry to hear of your problem. Have had Foxwatch for almost a year. Saw fox in garden just before letting chooks out last week for first time since getting Foxwatch whereas they used to be in all the time. Have never let them out unless I am out with them. Our cat Tommi is fine with the Foxwatch as also are o0ur bunnies, Biscuit and Mimi!!!!. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noodle Posted November 12, 2007 Author Share Posted November 12, 2007 I've seen people on here say foxes can jump 6ft fences and I can't argue with that as I don't know, but what are the other entrance and exit points to your garden? Are there any weak points in the fence, gaps, holes at the bottom of the fence where he could have squeezed under the gate or do you have a wrought iron gate with gaps? Or, do you think he did just jump over the fence? if so, there may be a way of putting something on the top of your fence, might be worth investigating? Just so we can rule that out and then try and think of some other solutions for you. Hi Poet and everyone else who has read this... Thanks for your concern... our whole garden is very secure. 6 ft fence all round and solid wooden gate. NO gaps at all. The fox must have had a reccy before he came today. He knew exaxtly what he was doing... although he did have a panic getting out of the garden when he finally realised I was there. Little b****** took a hell off alot of scaring off. I had nothing to hit him with and he would not let go of Tatti. Was obviously trying to get a good grip so he could take her with him I have managed to check Tatti over this afternoon, and apart from a cut on her foot, I cannot see anything else wrong with her (I am aware that I do not want to stress her anymore than she already is) I have let her go to bed with her 'sisters' We will see in the morning. I cannot bear this.. its awful. I have cancelled going to my book club tonight, had enough today Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeckyBoo Posted November 12, 2007 Share Posted November 12, 2007 Poor you, but I'm glad to hear that Tattie hasn't been seriously hurt. Foxes are so determined, thank goodness you were there to save her. Perhaps they could still go out if you were actually out in the garden with them. Hope tomorrow brings a better light on things, we've been lucky so far but everyone on here takes a risk every time they let their girls out. Best wishes coming your way Mrs Bertie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 12, 2007 Share Posted November 12, 2007 he must have jumped over then eh? unless you can be out there with them the only other suggestion i can make is to build a big (foxproof) run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovemychooks Posted November 12, 2007 Share Posted November 12, 2007 I've only just caught up with this thread and really hope that Tattie is OK tonight and tomorrow. It's amazing how quickly you get attached. Fingers crossed she is better tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gallina Posted November 13, 2007 Share Posted November 13, 2007 Having to stay out with your hens when they free-range isn't that bad. They have to spend a great proportion of their day in the run, of course, but they really don't mind as much as they pretend. You get to see more of them, and they come to appreciate you more; and you can attend to garden jobs like sweeping up leaves, because you have to find something to do to keep warm in winter. I have never had any choice about it, as we have had many foxes in our urban garden right from the start. Please take care, all of you who continue to let your hens free range. No one has foxes until the first visit. Noodle was actually lucky -- and very lucky indeed if Tattie is OK, as we all hope. Most people lose all their hens on the very first visit by the fox. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xScrunchee Posted November 13, 2007 Share Posted November 13, 2007 I have a massive fox problem here too and have often seen foxes sunbathing on my garden bench with not a care in the world although strangely I have seen them less since I got hens-which makes no sense to me at all. Can still smell them though so I know they are lurking just waiting for an opportunity! So I have NEVER let my girls free range without someone being in the garden the whole time. That means that if the phone rings and I forgot to take it outside with me-I ignore it as I wouldn't turn my back for a second. I think it has done us alot of good because since having hens, we are outside every single day-even if it's only for half an hour. I have also bought them a nice large(ish) run so that they have more room and I don't feel guilty about them being cooped up for most of the day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura & CTB Posted November 13, 2007 Share Posted November 13, 2007 Please take care, all of you who continue to let your hens free range. No one has foxes until the first visit. That's so true Gallina! I have a small garden also surrounded by high fences, I also have a foxwatch but more importantly would never ever let my girls wander round the garden unsupervised. Even if I have to do something for five minutes they get put back in the run. CTB saw a fox in the next street to us a couple of days ago - we've not seen a fox before in the 14 years we've lived here - makes me wonder if he knows the girls are here. (and as you say - the garden has never looked so clean and tidy ) Big hugs to you Noodle - please let us know how Tatty is this morning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
