The fox is back

We've had the worst problem with a fox lately! He's been hanging around off and on for almost 2 years, but has started visiting daily now. We lost a few hens to him in the fall. At that point a trapper came up and set out traps for a few weeks. I posted about that on the other blog.....you can read about it here: Waiting for the trap to snap. 

Unfortunately, the trapper didn't catch the fox then and it stayed away for several months. It got my male duck early this year, and another hen the same week. I tried sitting out with my rifle and waiting for it, but it never showed when I was there. It showed up a week or so later and was chasing the ducks around when the LGD came out and tore off after it into the woods. Once again it laid low for a month or so, then we saw this one morning.

chicken coop where a fox dug into it

Looks like something was desperately trying to dig into the coop! Since this finding he's taken 2 guineas out of the woods during the day and 2 more out of our yard in broad daylight! We're talking 9am! I spoke to the trapper and unfortunately there are restrictions about trapping this time of year, so it looks like I'll be doing it myself. 

I'm buying a large fox trap and setting it up this weekend. What else do I do? I've seen the large safe traps at Tractor Supply and they are not terribly expensive, so I guess I'll go that route. I just don't see any other option. I added 5 guineas to my flock this year and he's snagged them all along with several hens. ugh!

predator picture outside chicken coop

We've seen him in person and caught him on camera. I have more recent pictures, but this one is from right after trapper was here. Amazing that such a little guy can cause so much trouble...and how does he eat that much????

So tell me, what other solutions do you know of? What else can I do? I know I'm not the only one having problems....he's gotten the neighbors chickens too. The only solution is removal, but how? Have you ever had to get rid of a fox? What worked, what didn't? I appreciate all your help as I really am at my wits end and just can't wait until trapping season to get this guy.

Thanks!

~L

Update: I have been waiting outside every morning for about an hour (before I let the dog out) starting at 5 am but he hasn't shown up. However, he was caught on the neighbors trail cam up by our Apple orchard, heading down the path towards the coop. (mangy little thing, isn't he?) You'd think he'd be fatter after eating so well lately. *sigh* The hunt continues....

mangy fox caught on trail cam

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9 comments:

  1. LanaMay 18, 2013 at 5:43 PM

    Good luck with your fox problem!! I hope you get it taken care of. That is so frustrating!! I have never had a fox problem (FINGERS CROSSED I NEVER DO)!

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    1. LA MuranoMay 21, 2013 at 8:01 AM

      Thanks! I hope you never do!!! What a pain! *sigh*

      ~L

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  2. KrisMay 19, 2013 at 12:19 AM

    Good luck! We have a coyote problem He has gotten two of my chickens!!! I heard that if you keep a radio on, they will not come, thinking people are near. So when they are free ranging, I always have the speakers on to the back. Hope you can catch him!!
    xo Kris

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    1. LA MuranoMay 21, 2013 at 7:55 AM

      Thanks! I am guessing that's true....we always have the radio speakers on outside when we're working. The other night about an hour after we turned the speakers off my cousin saw the fox down by the coop. Nobody has ever seen him when the speakers were on. Thanks for mentioning it...I didn't even put it together until now!

      ~L

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  3. KellyMay 19, 2013 at 9:17 AM

    I did the radio thing when my chickens were free ranging and I had to leave and noone went missing. We have never caught our predators fox or coyotes so I'm no help. But I do hope you catch it for the sake of you chickens ☺

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    1. LA MuranoMay 21, 2013 at 7:56 AM

      Thanks! He's been coming every morning at dawn so I started getting up early and sitting out with my 22....lol, hopefully I'll get him!

      ~L

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  4. ChickedeeNovember 24, 2014 at 9:27 PM

    Old post - Lisa, hope you figured it out, that if you remove one predator (which does belong there), more will move in, and you never know when... and more losses. Sad.

    Electric fence of some type and locked in sturdy coop, with hasps etc from dusk til after dawn.

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  5. UnknownNovember 24, 2018 at 1:19 PM

    Awesome information , I grew up with chickens ,horses etc.... now FINALLY moving back to the country for my husband to retire & reading up on your chicken posts ! We have deer,Fox, bobcats . .....Snakes .....hawks , barred owl pairs that nest here on our small 5 acre wooded lot and probably other things that I haven’t mentioned. Do armadillos just dig up the yard for grubs ?? Lol we are in North Florida .
    Will have to do quite a bit of planning to keep our future girls safe.
    Thanx for your site !!

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    1. LA MuranoNovember 25, 2018 at 4:12 PM

      I'm in the north east and I have no idea what armadillos do! Moles will certainly dig up the yard looking for grubs, but once your chickens start to eat all the grubs the moles will go away. Good luck with your new home and chickens!

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