The Poultry Keeper

El Pollo Diablo · Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 4:53 pm Post subject: Foxed!

The fox killed all my chickens! He broke in through the front of the house and had them all Sad

I am wondering whether to mend the wooden house and start again or try converting brick shed instead - it is a bit mucky and cobwebby with flaking paint etc. but probably more fox proof?

Also does anyone have an unwanted but friendly cockerel near Oxfordshire they want rid of? Waking up in the morning is just not the same without him!

Itsybitsy · Joined: 11 Feb 2006 Posts: 1443 Location: Leicestershire

Sorry to hear about your loss El Pollo, there's nothing worse. I have a young mongrel cockerel - only half grown but you would be welcome to him when you've sorted out the living quarters - brick shed would be more substantial.

Itsybitsy

Gilly C · Joined: 22 Jun 2006 Posts: 2620 Location: South Cumbria

I too would go for the brick shed as no doubt the fox will be back as they are probably feeding cubs !

CP · Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 5:52 pm Post subject:

So sorry.

Most definitely the brick shed is the best bet. Very Happy

Wish we had one.
Your only weak points then will be the door(s) & window(s). Wink

El Pollo Diablo · Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 6:04 pm Post subject:

Thanks everybody. Is there likely to be anything toxic to chickens in an old musty shed? If I mop it out and get rid of mould etc? It is an old outhouse and has only been used for storing straw etc so a bit messy but proper window (foxproof I should think: proper glazed thing that doesn't open) and a solid wooden door with a kind of tiny pophole (rat??!!) that I would need to block. I'll try and take some pics and post them but not too good at that bit.

Anyone used cotswold chickens near banbury?

El Pollo Diablo · Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 6:06 pm Post subject:

and thanks for the offer itsybitsy: whereabouts are you? I am near Bicester and would be happy to pick him up if not too far away and if you can get him into a box!!

Itsybitsy · Joined: 11 Feb 2006 Posts: 1443 Location: Leicestershire

I get down the A43 quite regularly, I should be on the 4th April - Bletchingdon for 8.30 & then Hampton Poyle about 10am & on 28th March I may be at Radstone but nothing is confirmed yet. Which is closest?

Itsybitsy

Sparklepeeps · Joined: 17 Jan 2007 Posts: 1960 Location: Cheshire

Oh so sorry about your chickens. I suppose you can look forward to building your new chicken family. Good luck, keep us posted.

mojo · Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 5:47 pm Post subject:

EP.......wash the inside with a strong disinfectant wash using a stiff broom.......wear old clothes......paying attention to mould and floor.....allow to dry before introducing chooks.......go for it

El Pollo Diablo · Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 7:02 pm Post subject:

Bletchingdon probably closest I guess - sounds great! I'll get the new house scrubbed up and show you all the pics I just need to cut some sort of pophole and secure the run so they can get themselves in and out. I don't think it is too mouldy just a lot of cobwebs and flaky paint but I suppose the dreaded red mite will set up home in the roof if I'm not careful. Also I will have to fix some perches in there but it is seeming like quite a good option. Now I wonder why I spent £100 on a henhouse last year!

Itsybitsy · Joined: 11 Feb 2006 Posts: 1443 Location: Leicestershire

Bletchingdon isn't confirmed yet but whatever I will be driving down to Dorset that day regardless. Will send you a pm when I know exactly what I am doing & I will be doing the same run a month later if you haven't got your house finished in time.

Itsybitsy

Bongo · Joined: 15 Apr 2007 Posts: 11 Location: North Dorset

Hi there E.P.D - I have just lost my hens too so I know how you feel. Long term I too am thinking of converting a block building (stable in my case) so any help and pics would be greatly appreciated.

I hope by now you have a lovely new brood.
Emma

adamand · Joined: 09 Sep 2006 Posts: 3

Hi All,

This is the first year that I have been troubled by foxes and have finally taken the plunge and ordered a fox trap:

http://www.ratbait.co.uk/index.asp?function=DISPLAYPRODUCT&productid=356

I already buy my red mite products and rat poison from this company and so far so good!

Adam

Itsybitsy · Joined: 11 Feb 2006 Posts: 1443 Location: Leicestershire

Hi

A fox trap like that will work best if you bury it - so it looks like a nice welcoming earth, all the cage part inside needs to be earth covered with something tempting at the end. I have to say when I had my fox trouble I borrowed one of these traps and had no luck at all, the man who finally shot the fox told me the burying trick. And if you do catch one please don't release it to terriorise somebody elses chickens in a different area.

Itsybitsy

El Pollo Diablo · Posted: Tue May 08, 2007 5:14 pm Post subject: