I'm so sorry you lost a hen (and almost another)! I don't have foxes in my part of the country, but we have our own hungry critters to deal with. I guess the "fox in the henhouse" saying is there for a reason. I hope you can keep your girls safe. I have the same attitude about raccoons. They are really cute, but they are brutal to poultry. I feel guilty about demonizing them when they are just trying to make a living like the rest of us, but really! There have to be enough rodents out there to feed everybody! Keep us posted on your fox-proofing efforts. I'm curious to see what works.
@goldenoakfarm seems to have figured out how to keep them safe, and she's the real deal. I'm small time. Here's what she sent me when I asked her how she does it.
https://steempeak.com/@goldenoakfarm/psb83r
This looks like a lot, and it is, but the many links document her trials and solutions really well.
I'm having many problems this year, not only with chickens, so I took the easy way out and ordered a UFO shaped fiberglass portable coop and a run for now. I just have to find the four hours and a brawny female or fellow to help put it together. Then I think I may use something of golden oak farm's to fashion a daytime safe yard for them.
I think the fox is very beautiful. It's a special thrill when I spot it. I have mixed feelings about it eating my pets though, and I think in future it's better if I don't name and get attached to my chickens, maybe even eat them.
I'm small time too. We have enough dogs now that we don't lose hens unless they decide to sit on eggs in some undisclosed location. I have tried not to get attached to my chickens, and I mostly succeed, but inevitably there are a few who win me over in spite of myself. Those are the ones I look for at feeding time every day. I will check out the link, though. Knowledge is power!
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