The Poultry Keeper

Aussie · Joined: 30 Nov 2007 Posts: 27

I like to let my 9 ladies and 1 rooster out of their chicken coop and run to get a bit of a free range experience. They tend not to go far beyond the 2.5 acres that we have and I have been able to chase them back inside. (I think they would probably go in by themselves in the evening). Anyway, I am wondering if I let them roam outside their enclosure all day, even when I am out, could they be attacked by a fox, or do they only strike at night?

milkmaid · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 7331 Location: isle of lewis

foxes will attack during the day it depends were you live ,my aunt gave up keeping chickens ,because of foxes ,near maidstone it was one of the places the rescuces released them from the towns ,she used to let them out during the day,and they got taken ,it depends how use to people they are

Henwife · Joined: 31 Jan 2006 Posts: 3421 Location: Monmouthshire

Yes. I live in a rural area and keep my birds enclosed with electric netting as the only effective daytime fox deterrent. I still shut the birds into their houses at night though.

Aussie · Joined: 30 Nov 2007 Posts: 27

Hmmm, I have once seen a fox during the day and a rather cheeky one coming right to our front door in the middle of the night, playing cat and mouse with our shoes!!! I guess it's best only to let them out when I'm doing some work in the yard.

CP · Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2007 1:00 pm Post subject:

Yes, ours were attacked in the daytime & our neighbours have also had attacks during daylight hours. Crying or Very sad

Always assume that they will be around & never become complacent regarding predators! Twisted Evil

Sparklepeeps · Joined: 17 Jan 2007 Posts: 1955 Location: Cheshire

Ive had one stood about 8 meters away from me (and about 2 meters away from the chickens - separated by an electric fence) during broad day light whilst I was cleaning the hen house out! Cheeky begger!