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.

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!

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....

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