I have a fox

[LizStreithorst]

He cones here for a meal.  One neighbor lost a hen, another lost a hen and her favorite rooster, I have had hens disappear one after another until I'm down to 11 from 16.  It happens in broad daylight (the hens are locked up at night).  Sometimes I see a few feathers.  Sometimes I see nothing.   A few weeks ago he came up looking for a meal.  He was in the woods.  I didn't see him but my little Cha Cha did.  She took off yapping like dogs to when they spot a critter.  This happens all the time and I thing nothing of it, but after the yapping there was a sudden silence.  I never saw her again.  I didn't post about it at the time because it was too emotionally painful.

I am resigned to loosing most if not all of my chickens because they run free range like all my animals.  I can't afford it this year but next year I will buy electric netting to keep the fox away.  I already have the fence charger.  I will have to buy several rolls because I want all my animals to feel like they're not cooped up.  https://www.premier1supplies.com/p/poultrynet-12-42-3-electric-netting

[Mugwump]

...that sucks.....it's time to hunt that sucker down....even a pellet rifle. pumped up well, can be the same as a 22cal for shorter distances.....one good hit could do it....or at least hurt 'em good...

..sorry about Cha Cha.....damn..

[LizStreithorst]

I have never seen it.  Foxes are very careful about not being seen.  Nothing happens for days on end and then it snags a meal.  Where would I sit with a gun where a fox couldn't see or smell me?  How many days would I have to sit hidden, and perfectly still doing nothing but watching?  It's impossible.

I can't set a trap with something stinky like cat food because the only thing I'd catch would be one of my dogs.  I'm resigned to what I know will happen.  Next year I'll be prepared.

[Mugwump]

I have never seen it.  Foxes are very careful about not being seen.  Nothing happens for days on end and then it snags a meal.  Where would I sit with a gun where a fox couldn't see or smell me?  How many days would I have to sit hidden, and perfectly still doing nothing but watching?  It's impossible.

I can't set a trap with something stinky like cat food because the only thing I'd catch would be one of my dogs.  I'm resigned to what I know will happen.  Next year I'll be prepared.

...who knows?...you might get a chance at the dang thing from your door? or something....we have a lot of fox up here in our area,,,even an occasional silver fox...

[wsantia1]

Wow Liz, so sorry to hear about Cha Cha. I hope you don't have to wait until next year to hunt it down.

[Mugwump]

...at least put a radio by the hen house...noise tends to keep them away.....

[LizStreithorst]

ChaCha broke my heart, Willie.  I took consolation in knowing that while she was with me she had the best time that any dog could possibly have, and that her end was quick.

[waterboy]

Are you sure something happened to Cha Cha?  Maybe she is still chasing the fox.  Pretty unlikely that a fox would harm a dog.

[LizStreithorst]

I'm sure.

[wsantia1]

ChaCha broke my heart, Willie.  I took consolation in knowing that while she was with me she had the best time that any dog could possibly have, and that her end was quick.

I know it did Liz. I am glad you shared that with us so you wouldn't have to keep that pain bottled up inside.