Early this morning, a red fox crossed my front yard with something in its mouth (looked like a squirrel). I thought it was cool. Later this afternoon, we observed the fox jumping at the chicken coop, which has an attached pen enclosed with wire. This is where the chickens were. I let the dog out, and he proceeded to chase the fox away. The dog came back in, collected his reward, and went to his designated spot by the wood stove. I thought we were done with it. However, not more than 15 minutes later, the fox was back at the coop, pacing back and forth seeking entry. The coop is built well (homemade), and the pen is enclosed with heavy gauge rabbit fence on the bottom - chicken fence on top.
We had been letting the hens free range in the yard with no issues. Today is the first day we witnessed this, although it may have happened before without us knowing.
I'd like to deter the fox without killing it. However, I realize this may not be realistic. I'm not convinced it is in a fox's nature. Does anyone have any experience with this type of thing? Are there any scents or other effective non-lethal remedies?
Although I am not opposed to shooting it, I am in a residential area with houses within 500'. So, this is likely not an option. What types of measures is a 'farmer' allowed to take when protecting livestock? (Massachusetts)
Thanks
We had been letting the hens free range in the yard with no issues. Today is the first day we witnessed this, although it may have happened before without us knowing.
I'd like to deter the fox without killing it. However, I realize this may not be realistic. I'm not convinced it is in a fox's nature. Does anyone have any experience with this type of thing? Are there any scents or other effective non-lethal remedies?
Although I am not opposed to shooting it, I am in a residential area with houses within 500'. So, this is likely not an option. What types of measures is a 'farmer' allowed to take when protecting livestock? (Massachusetts)
Thanks