Tracks

Oval to triangular shape with 4 toes.

Droppings/Scant

Ropey texture, tapered, and partly segmented in shape. Distinct musky scent. Generally 3/8 to 5/8 inches in diameter and 3 to 6 inches long.

Sounds

Yelp, growl, bark, explosive calls, whines, combative calls.
Fox map

Kills similar to:

The Fox

Foxes are an opportunistic and intelligent predator, known for causing heavy losses in chicken coops. Foxes usually carry off their victims to an alternate location to consume them.

There are several different species of foxes found worldwide, however the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the most common and widespread species. Foxes belong to the Canidae family, which also includes dogs, coyotes, jackals, and wolves. Like other members of this family, foxes are excellent diggers, climbers and jumpers. As such, in order to protect your flock from fox attacks, you're going to have to build a secure fence or enclosure that keeps foxes from digging underneath as well as from jumping and climbing over the top. In addition, you will need to lock your birds up at night in a fox-proof coop or alternative housing structure that is secure.

Habitat


Foxes build their dens frequently within close proximity to humans, and often live close to farm buildings. Their dens tend to be difficult to detect.

When Foxes are Most Active


Foxes are mostly nocturnal, and are most active during the early morning hours and at dusk. However sometimes foxes will come out during the day to hunt, especially when it's dark and overcast.

PoultryDVM Predator Profile - The Fox

How to Prevent Fox Attacks

Fence height : Since foxes are good jumpers and climbers, fences should be at least 6 ft (1.8 m) high.

Fencing material : Use galvanized 19-gauge or higher, 1/2-inch or 1/4-inch hardware cloth fencing.

Close off gaps or spaces : Ensure that any enclosure openings are less than 3 in (8 cm). Securely seal up any questionable areas with hardware cloth and zipties or other form of fastening.

Prevent foxes from digging underneath : Bury the bottom of fencing 1-2 ft (0.3-0.9m) into the ground, w/ an apron of hardware cloth extending at least 12 in (30 cm) outward. Alternately, bring hardware cloth outward and secure with anchors, large stones and/or native low level vegetation. Hardware cloth can also be fixed to concrete or wood floor or foundation surface.

Prevent foxes from climbing or jumping over enclosure : Completely enclose the top of the structure (roof) with hardware cloth, attached using UV-resistant, black, heavy duty nylon cable ties.

Discourage climbing : Install an overhang along the top of the enclosure that is at least 60 cm in circumference; curved or shaped at an angle, downward

Install electric fencing : Use a 3 wire electric fence with wires spaced 6 in, 12 in, and 18 in (15 cm, 31 cm, and 46 cm) above the ground.

Frightening

  • Lights : Motion detecting bright lights may serve as a deterrent
  • Invest in a guard dog : When properly trained, some breeds of dog, such as Great Pyrenees and Akbash, may be effective in some situations
  • Invest in a guard Llama : Llamas, guanaco, alpacas and their hybrids are known for their ability to protect poultry and other livestock from coyotes, dogs, foxes, and other predators from the canine family. Typically a single, unbred female make the best guardians. A study conducted in 1990 by Iowa State University found that 80% of sheep producers with guard llamas rated them as effective or very effective at protecting their livestock.
  • Noises : Foxes are scared off by loud noises, turning on a loud radio may serve as a deterrent
  • Motion-detecting sprinklers or squirt with a hose :

References

Popular Health Tools

Switch Animal