I have foxes - I think.....

[kirsty b]

Went down to feed ladies this morning before going to bro's house to help his missus get set up for wedding and as I walked past the greenhouse I saw a young fox just standing next to one of the derelict sheds. (shed been there for donkeys, and its safer to leave it standing than attempt to pull it down at mo) I went 'RAR'! at it to frighten it off and it bolted into shed, and I didn't see/hear it come out through one of the holes in the other side.
I had a bit of a panic and checked chooks, all there , so I put them inside today with loads of food and water and plan to check the run is secure tomorrow morning before attempting to relax.
On way out of plot I looked in the shed and saw what I can only describe as tunnels/trenches dug into the dirt floor. I am now wondering if I have foxes actually living on or very close by my plot
Also, it is likely to be a family, cos I saw a young'un, so a mama and siblings can't be far off.
Will explore further and take some pics of findings if anyone fancies helping with a bit of detectoring to see whats occurring?

[Glutton4...]

Ooooh SH****t! Hope all is OK Kirsty!

We were out your way this arvo (M&M's, getting Caravan bits) I dread Mr Reynard visiting! Of course, I could ramble on with my viewpoint, but it wouldn't change anything.

Hope everything 's ok - and the wedding too!

[Hashette]

God I hope not Kirsty, let us know what you find after your detectoring

Hi Glutton

*waves madly*

[Suechooks]

I've seen a fox leaving our allotment site a couple of times recently. I know we've had one living on the site for a long time but recently someone with a Jack Russell flushed him out of a tunnel and we don't know where he's relocated.
I've seen more foxes around this year than ever before - or maybe I'm more aware after reading folks' losses on here. This is the worst time for them as cubs are getting bigger and needing more food.
Do hope you sort things out Kirsty.

[HayleyB]

Gawd, that's deffo a worry Kirsty good luck

[MaureenHall]

Kirsty I really hope your chooks are safe from the fox, I'd hate ANYONE finding what I found a couple of weeks ago!

I think if it was me, I'd burn the shed down - but I'd probably be going way over the top at the moment. Fingers well and truly crossed for you and your chooks

[RedThorn]

Understandably Aunty Mo!

Here's hoping everything is ok with your girls!

[Flummery]

Scarey! (Not YOU Scarey!) I hope you managed to frighten him off. As you say, though, where's the rest of the family?

[Glutton4...]

God I hope not Kirsty, let us know what you find after your detectoring

Hi Glutton

*waves madly*

Hi-ya!

*Waves madly back*

Recovered from the Marathon yet?

[Hilary B]

Went down to feed ladies this morning before going to bro's house to help his missus get set up for wedding and as I walked past the greenhouse I saw a young fox just standing next to one of the derelict sheds. (shed been there for donkeys, and its safer to leave it standing than attempt to pull it down at mo) I went 'RAR'! at it to frighten it off and it bolted into shed, and I didn't see/hear it come out through one of the holes in the other side.
I had a bit of a panic and checked chooks, all there , so I put them inside today with loads of food and water and plan to check the run is secure tomorrow morning before attempting to relax.
On way out of plot I looked in the shed and saw what I can only describe as tunnels/trenches dug into the dirt floor. I am now wondering if I have foxes actually living on or very close by my plot
Also, it is likely to be a family, cos I saw a young'un, so a mama and siblings can't be far off.
Will explore further and take some pics of findings if anyone fancies helping with a bit of detectoring to see whats occurring?

Was it a baby or a yearling? I would expect it to be a bit early in the year for this year's babies to be out of their baby coats. If it's a yearling, he may be looking for a place to settle down, but loads of tunnels in the earth floor does sound more like a family.......

[kirsty b]

Ooooh SH****t! Hope all is OK Kirsty!

We were out your way this arvo (M&M's, getting Caravan bits) I dread Mr Reynard visiting! Of course, I could ramble on with my viewpoint, but it wouldn't change anything.

Hope everything 's ok - and the wedding too!

M&M leisure? near Sturmer arches? If so, you were about half a mile from my house! Will do proper investigating tomorrow, but a quick look round the run today reassured me that it was as safe as it could be, with no evidence of attempted burrowing etc.
I was about 10 metres away from fox, but estimate size to be about that of a medium dog, so could be a yearling Hilary. I like foxes mostly and am quite happy to live and let live, but if they touch my chooks they've had it!!

[nmayhew]

got my 4 Light Sussex on saturday so i sympathise with your plight, but if your housing is secure, you have nothing to fear.
remember the fox was around long before your chickens and probably you were, so i am from the live and let live school (not a popular view on this pro-chook forum i guess!)

[kirsty b]

My very first flock got wiped out by a fox a couple of years ago and I was devestated and quite muderous too!! We roofed the run, closed up all gaps and protect them as best we can, have lost the odd one or two since when I tried to extend the run, but the fencing wasn't right and one got in, re-did fencing how it was and they have been fine since, won't get complacent though

I have derelict plots on all sides, so the foxes have been here for years, long before me and my chooks!

[mnmc2004]

The fox is only doing what it needs to do to survive....

It tends to kill everything as it think it can go back time and time again once there all dead !

Hating a fox would be a kin to hating a Lion because they take down a springbok !

SO my view is if they got in, its your fault for not making it secure enough, not theres...

i'm not a particular fox lover, infact i've take my share when I used to go hunting and that was for taking sheep and chickens, but my view point has always remained the same.

[MaureenHall]

The fox is only doing what it needs to do to survive....

It tends to kill everything as it think it can go back time and time again once there all dead !

Hating a fox would be a kin to hating a Lion because they take down a springbok !

SO my view is if they got in, its your fault for not making it secure enough, not theres...

i'm not a particular fox lover, infact i've take my share when I used to go hunting and that was for taking sheep and chickens, but my view point has always remained the same.

I agree with you, it was my fault that the fox managed to get to my girls, and he (or she) was acting on instinct for survival. Having said that, although I wouldn't do the deed myself or condone anyone else doing it, I'd be happier and sleep easier if ............................... well you know what I mean

By the way, welcome to the vine