Protection from Foxes

You'll need to make sure that your hens are safe in their coops and under lock and key at night. Weak door catches on a coop in an insecure area pose little problem for determined foxes. There are electronic pop-hole closure mechanisms available that may do the job for you, if for some reason you are unable to get to the coop that night. These work okay, but there is no defence where foxes appear during daylight hours as is often the case these days especially in built-up areas.

Supporters of foxhunting would often claim that the hunt was a useful means of controlling foxes however most chicken keepers would likely say that foxhunting had little deterrent effect for them. If it were true, commercial free range ventures would not have to invest large capital sums in electronic fencing. There is also the welfare directives which state that care should be taken to protect birds against foxes, cats and dogs and other predators.

Fox traps

Each chicken farmer has a private responsibility to guard a flock whether large or small. Decent Fox traps are available. These are massive baited cages the animal enters and can't get in or out again. The trap is placed on a route normally taken by the animal. It should also be well hidden the fox is a wily creature. If caught there is the issue of what to do with the caged animal. The most compassionate strategy may be despatching the fox with a gun provided the owner holds legitimate firearms certificate. There are services that offer tolerant trapping in most rural areas.

Alternative deterrents

A normal flashing light could be enough discouragement so long as its position is moved reasonably often. Once the fox becomes acclimatised to it it is no longer effective. Such units are available to be used with electrical fencing or they can be used along with ordinary fencing. Chemicals are available to act as repellent. Renardine for instance can be blended with sand and scattered around the chicken run. This treatment must be have replenished weekly or after heavy rain. The family dog may keep fox away and it is said that llamas, should you keep them, are effective are driving away foxes.