[joyfull]

yes but you have common sense that is sadly lacking in some people 

[Paul Plots]

yes but you have common sense that is sadly lacking in some people 

Some don't choose to use common sense (sometimes I don't think "sense" is that common these days) but prefer to be selfish and thoughtless even enjoying the harm they can inflict. 

[penninehillbilly]

We have sometimes seen 'lost dog' signs locally - general opinion is its buried in the corner of a field somewhere.
One local doesn't speak to me now after I asked her to keep her dog under control (we live alongside a bridleway), it was running round the yard and out of sight into my field long before she was in sight, some people don't understand, yet she keeps hens, I wonder how she'd feel if my dogs ran into her field.
We also had someone round offering to 'control rabbits', I said they could use their ferrets down holes but I didn't want their lurchers running round, (I love to see the hares and pheasants about), they never came back, I wonder why?
people think they can just let their dogs run free on a bridleway, forgeting they jump walls, run into peoples yards and gardens, watched 5 dogs go chasing down one of our fields one day, I think they were after a hare, the owner just stood and watched them, probably 'how nice to see them enjoying themselves' GRRRRR
sorry to hijack the thread, but people who don't control their dogs make me SO angry.

[John]

It's the owners to blame, of course. Sadly it's the dog that often pays the price.

[evie2]

The fox visited at 4am this morning

We were woken by Tinkers alarm call and there it was a huge dog fox nose against the run

We'd left the pop hole open because it's been so warm at night.  Tinker and Georgie were in the run so the alarm call was very loud.  OH went out to make sure everything was ok and the fox ran down the garden only to walk back up again in the neighbours

When we finally got them calmed down and did a head count Ruby was missing a bit of a mystery as we knew that the run hadn't been broken into

We had a quick look under the hedges and in the trees but she wasn't there

Later when we let Star and the chicks into their run you can imagine out surprise and relief when out came Ruby too

Tonight all the hens will be locked up early and let out late and heaven help the fox if it comes back

[ANHBUC]

The fox visited at 4am this morning

We were woken by Tinkers alarm call and there it was a huge dog fox nose against the run

We'd left the pop hole open because it's been so warm at night.  Tinker and Georgie were in the run so the alarm call was very loud.  OH went out to make sure everything was ok and the fox ran down the garden only to walk back up again in the neighbours

When we finally got them calmed down and did a head count Ruby was missing a bit of a mystery as we knew that the run hadn't been broken into

We had a quick look under the hedges and in the trees but she wasn't there

Later when we let Star and the chicks into their run you can imagine out surprise and relief when out came Ruby too

Tonight all the hens will be locked up early and let out late and heaven help the fox if it comes back

Glad to hear the fox was unsucessfull Evie.  I am dreading having any sort of fox encounter. 

[evie2]

We've had hens taken before, it's awful   I just hope if it comes back and Tinker gives the alert again we'll be able to hear her from inside the coop

[Paul Plots]

The fox visited at 4am this morning

We were woken by Tinkers alarm call and there it was a huge dog fox nose against the run

We'd left the pop hole open because it's been so warm at night.  Tinker and Georgie were in the run so the alarm call was very loud.  OH went out to make sure everything was ok and the fox ran down the garden only to walk back up again in the neighbours

When we finally got them calmed down and did a head count Ruby was missing a bit of a mystery as we knew that the run hadn't been broken into

We had a quick look under the hedges and in the trees but she wasn't there

Later when we let Star and the chicks into their run you can imagine out surprise and relief when out came Ruby too

Tonight all the hens will be locked up early and let out late and heaven help the fox if it comes back

It sounds to me as if Ruby's a clever bird and has a good hiding place.
Look for trap doors under the straw. 

Pleased to hear they are all safe. 

[jen180387]

we have lost alot too! ours have been through the middle of the day!! we have tried most things and seems to be getting better this week 

[Chickensrus]

Hi all
Just reading some of the posts about foxes and thought I'd add this one to the list of deterrents it's a bit gross but apparently works. You need an empty washing up liquid bottle and then fill it with male urine!! Husbands,dads,brothers this is where they can help out! LOL oncethey have filled the bottle for you simply spray around the perimeter of you fencing about twice a week or after heavy rainfall the foxes are deterred by the scent of the urine!! I know it's gross but if it keeps our Girlies safe I'm sure you'd try it anyway!!!!

[joyfull]

My husband tries his best to oblige with this but with half an acre it takes a lot of doing  . It really doesn't put off a hungry fox or mink though or one with young 

[Paul Plots]

My husband tries his best to oblige with this but with half an acre it takes a lot of doing  . It really doesn't put off a hungry fox or mink though or one with young 

Maybe there is something to be said for a different life-style/culture.

Ever considered taking on a few more husbands? 

[joyfull]

  good grief I struggle coping with the one I do have 

[Paul Plots]

good grief I struggle coping with the one I do have 

     but you love him loads 

[penninehillbilly]

My husband tries his best to oblige with this but with half an acre it takes a lot of doing  . It really doesn't put off a hungry fox or mink though or one with young 

get him to drink more? (tea/ coffee of course  )