Keeping foxes away

[Firsttimechicksxxx]

Hi everyone, I have owned chickens for around 4 years now and all my chickens are completely free range during the day and shut in at night. Over the years I have lost a fair few flocks to fox’s (during the day!) . I’m just wandering if anyone has had any successful tactics to keeping foxes away from yards during the day, probably a stupid question but I would love to see if any one has any tips since I don’t have enough money for a suitable sized run and I love seeing my hens pottering around my garden!
Thanks

 

[DobieLover]

I keep my flock confined to about 1/3 acre with electrified poultry netting powered with a 10,000 volt charger.
You could also invest in a LGD.

 

[Shadrach]

A dog would undoubtably help. A farm dog even if it isn't a true LGD should discourage the foxes during the day.

 

[Perris]

Roos work for me and have done so effectively for years now (last fox attack was in 2020 when I had just 1 roo and 2 cockerels; the foxes are still here and still taking neighbour's birds from female only flock). Everyone free ranges dawn to dusk. Roos (currently 7) keep watch and sound alarms. Hens, pullets and chicks collect near / between roos when it's judged by them to be necessary. They scatter and hide when that's deemed appropriate. They re-emerge intact around roos when the latter signal the coast is clear.

I think the roos more than earn their keep. Some people can't keep them where they live. But some say they don't want to pay for chicken feed for birds that don't lay, but (whether or not they realize it) they pay a lot more money for fences etc. than a few roos would ever eat.

 

[McChooky]

Hi everyone, I have owned chickens for around 4 years now and all my chickens are completely free range during the day and shut in at night. Over the years I have lost a fair few flocks to fox’s (during the day!) . I’m just wandering if anyone has had any successful tactics to keeping foxes away from yards during the day, probably a stupid question but I would love to see if any one has any tips since I don’t have enough money for a suitable sized run and I love seeing my hens pottering around my garden!
Thanks

When trained properly dogs will keep foxes run off. I have a double row of fence along the woods that helps.My chickens don't go up there

 

[lintlicker]

We free range only when we are outside after losing 12 birds to a fox in one event. Dog would help, perimeter fencing would help if you can also bury it and make it high enough. No problem with hawks free ranging?

 

[Twilia]

Please read this article by BYC's project manager.
Remember to imply methods of protection that will ensure the safety of our natural predators, home flock, and your peace of mind.

Protecting Your Chickens from Springtime Predators

Spring bursts forth with vibrant life, but for backyard chicken owners, the season also ushers in a period of heightened vigilance. As the world awakens from winter's slumber, so do the appetites of a variety of predators that view your feathered friends as a tempting snack. Understanding these...

• BYC Project Manager
• Mar 16, 2024
• 5.00 star(s) 7 ratings
• Comments: 8
• Reviews: 5
• Category: Learning Center

Hope this helps.
_twilia ; )

 

[McChooky]

Hi everyone, I have owned chickens for around 4 years now and all my chickens are completely free range during the day and shut in at night. Over the years I have lost a fair few flocks to fox’s (during the day!) . I’m just wandering if anyone has had any successful tactics to keeping foxes away from yards during the day, probably a stupid question but I would love to see if any one has any tips since I don’t have enough money for a suitable sized run and I love seeing my hens pottering around my garden!
Thanks

Electric fences and dogs are a reliable means of protecting free range chickens during the day. A hunter would be glad to get rid of the foxes for you or maybe build them a run out of free pallets and free range them only when you're home (they're cheap to build)

 

[Mountain Roost]

Much like the concept of many roosters; I use larger animals as a 'predator flock.' 2 African geese, 5 heritage turkeys, and 10 guineas make enough racket to keep most daytime predators away. They get to come out and free range with the chickens everyday.

The different species all watch out for predators in different ways, but the alert sounds they make are universal.