[Kate and her Ducks]

Well it is getting to the time of year when the nights start closing in and the world starts getting ready for winter.

Unfortunately for us that seems to mean a really abrupt increase in fox attacks on our hens and ducks. There was a really dramatic increase this time last year and I was one of them and the pattern seems to be repeating itself this year.

It seems to be a combination of the early nights catching people out, many more foxes around as this years cubs mature and are not yet thinned out by the winter and the dropping levels of food making them all more bold.

It is a truely heartbreaking sight to come out to the carnage left by a fox so it is the time to take extra care locking up your birds.

Be vigilent!!!

This might help:

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=25998.0
  
 
  
 

[chickenlady]

went to grannies yesterday and got back after dark! the muscovies were in their house but it was still wide open and bob and vi were asleep outside the growers run as the runners were shut in their run. i was fretting all the way home. in future if i think there is a chance i wont be home before dark they will all get chased to bed before i go out!

Debbie

[Kate and her Ducks]

Me too after last year.

[8doubles]

I think this one could do with red highlights and being made a sticky for a month.
Could save a few tears.


Doh !  it already is .

[chickenlady]

I think this one could do with red highlights and being made a sticky for a month.
Could save a few tears.


Doh !  it already is .

 

[lightyears]

just to raise this again, my allotment neighbour has lost 90 chickens in the last months. as the fox gets in, in ever cunning ways. mine have been alright so far, but i am preparing myself for the inevitable.

[Shedenvy]

very sensible advice mind you having them locked up wont stop Mr Foxy from visiting just on the off chance that all is not secure, I shot out of bed at 3.am last week as i thought I could hear our Runners quacking I went out to check but all was quiet unfortunatly the next morning I spotted one of next doors  chucks which had been left in the road by the departing fox  I can only assume he legged it when he heard me crashing round the garden  might have been the sight of me in my dressing gown that put him off

[Foxy]

Good point, a good time of year to be checking for any loose boards, gaps in fencing, bolts, fixings etc.
This is the time of year that cubs are dispersing and looking for new territories, particulary in rural settings as the fox will travel far.

[Rubellite]

Spoke to my local gamekeeper this week (they have a shoot in the fields behind mine) and he told me that the fox man had dispatched four over the last few weeks 
Did I mind if he came into my field? Hell no, just make sure he gets the fox and not my chickens by accident!! :blink:

[compostqueen]

timely advice

Mine have been attacked but fortunately have lived to tell the tale but that's very rare

[Vember]

Just 10 mins late putting away, 2 ducks down & one with a hole in it's side      

[Caralou]

Oh Sarah, I'm so sorry  Will the one with the hole make it? Big hugs xxx

[Vember]

I think so,  Not 100% sure I was going to stitch it but I think open is best for now so I can keep an eye for infection   

He's up here with me now so I'll be keeping a close eye on him

Sarah

[poultrygeist]

So sorry to hear.

Hope he can make it. That's really upsetting.

ROb

[joyfull]

so sorry to hear that  , hope your little one makes it, hugs xx