The Poultry Keeper

thenesteggs · Joined: 25 Sep 2007 Posts: 76 Location: Cheltenham

I had a visit from the fox last night, I went down to let out my chooks and 4 Pekin ducks this morning, was surprised to see 3 ducks in the paddock as they we're locked in their house the night before.
I shone the torch on the ducks as it was still a bit dark, and noticed the blood stains on them.
I inspected the duck house which was shut with a hook/eye clasp last night but now had the door wide open.
The trail of feathers led to the fallow field behind my small holding. He'd got under the fence. All that remained was a tail and a few entrails.
My neighbouring farmer said he saw a family of foxes run through the field this afternoon. Cheeky gits, in broad daylight.
I am surrounded by rabbit warrens on all sides, there is probably 20 or more frollicking in the field all day long. why bother going for my ducks?
I've put a big bolt and padlock on the duckhouse, I'm thankful they only took one.
I've snared the gap under the fence, I know he'll be back now that he's tasted duck.
What's the best way to dispatch them once caught? Spade, Machete or 12 bore?

CP · Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 1:15 am Post subject:

Sorry you've had fox trouble. Sad

We did too, in June this year. First time in 7 years & we lost 13 hens & chicks. And it was between 1pm & 3.30pm, in broad daylight!

Never had to dispatch a fox but I presume the best way would be the 12-bore. Wink

Good luck in catching it but don't assume it's the only one around....there's bound to be another to take it's place.

Itsybitsy · Joined: 11 Feb 2006 Posts: 1349 Location: Leicestershire

If you've set the snare properly it should kill it for you. It will be a vixen feeding cubs that's out in the daytime, you really need to get the whole family because the vixen will teach the cubs and after a meal of duck will be back, and if you do get her then father will take over the rearing.

Itsybitsy

cazjohn · Joined: 13 Apr 2007 Posts: 73

Can't believe it - just got rid of the red mites and the rats then yesterday I spotted a fox about six feet behind the chicken run at 11.00 o'clock in the morning it's been hanging round today as well Mad

It's not been over the fence yet - thats about four feet with trellice on the top and at night the electric fence is on.

Any other way of putting it of rather than killing it?

So sorry about your duck, we're surrounded by wild rabbits as well.

Sparklepeeps · Joined: 17 Jan 2007 Posts: 1942 Location: Cheshire

Im so sorry about your duckie.

But snares are so dangerous for peoples pets. Please, please reconsider the use of a snare after the morning when you check it. Those things fill me with dread.

CP · Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2007 1:40 am Post subject:

cazjohn · Joined: 13 Apr 2007 Posts: 73

We have tried to have fence on during the day but the chickens just don't seem to get it Confused

They constantly put their heads through it then run away squawking then do exactly the same over and over Exclamation

So after much discussion I think we're going to buy another electric fence and run it around the outside of the garden fence(we back on to farmland)

Have done a costing exercise lol with the first electric fence, 1st chicken house, Omlet Cube, god knows how much red mite treatment and enough rat poison to sink a ship I think we're running at about £100 per egg Exclamation

Just as well they're pets not a business Exclamation

CP · Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2007 6:11 pm Post subject:

Sparklepeeps · Joined: 17 Jan 2007 Posts: 1942 Location: Cheshire

debcat · Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2007 7:40 pm Post subject:

I'd just love to see an egg Rolling Eyes

cazjohn · Joined: 13 Apr 2007 Posts: 73

Quick update - decided to erect some wire fencing above the trellis - garden now looks like a football stadium! We're up to eight feet now.

But guess what haven't seen the fox for three days - typical Exclamation