How to stop the local fox tearing my polytunnel to shreds?

[Skotch]

Its only been a month since I completed my new polytunnel on the allotment and already the local fox has torn 2 holes into the plastic - I know its a fox and not a cat and I can see other claw marks around the plastic.

Anyone else had a similar problem? and if so, how have you managed to keep the vermin from ripping the plastic to shreds?

[Snadger]

Its only been a month since I completed my new polytunnel on the allotment and already the local effing fox has torn 2 holes into the plastic - I know its a fox and not a cat and I can see other claw marks around the plastic.

Anyone else had a similar problem? and if so, how have you managed to keep the vermin from ripping the plastic to shreds?

Take your chickens out of the polytunnel!

[mothhawk]

As my grandfather used to say, if you can get a bit of lead in his ear, that should stop him.

[Potstubsdustbins]

^^^^^^^^^^Or an ounce and an eighth of number 4s.

In reality there would have to be something in there or the scent of something in there to attract him and it won't be veggies. For instance have you used blood, fish and bone?

If you can figure out what's getting him wound up and remove it that would help. Or in this weather leave the door open.............

[Mr Bones]

It could be fox curiosity/entertainment, the same reason why they have to bite through any string or cable on our plot or it could be making a feeble attempt at king of the castle like they do on our cloches. Pour manwee all round and even onto the plastic to let the fox know it's your territory.

[burnie]

If the above doesn't work a chicken wire fence might help.

[Skotch]

Thats what I've gone with - its been too wet to go and check but will do so tomorrow. Thanks for your replies

[Potstubsdustbins]

Remember if you go to a barrier like chicken wire they will go under/over if they are really determined.

When we kept pheasant chicks then wire was dug into the ground 1ft deep and was 6ft high with a mesh roof on.

[Dalrimple]

you can get a cheap 12 volt energiser off the ebay for around £30 it will run a double strand of copper wire up to 100 yrds . thats not to expensive to keep your polly tunnel hole free, if I use fish and bone meal somat always digs in to where it's been used ! atb Dal

[Stan79]

Blood fish and bone and chicken manure pellets will both attract them... As suggested above, wee or pour wee around and on the poly. I do the same around the chicken run and haven't had any issues thus far!

[rosiepumpkin]

A friend of mine managed to keep them safe from the foxes (viligence and chicken wire) and then had the poor things stressed out by a randy peacock landing on the roof. Branches of holly sorted that one out, maybe it would work with foxes too - around the edges.