Want to define how clever and cunning a person is? Simple—compare them with a fox. Foxes are the definition of sly and clever. They are extremely agile hunters that are unstoppable, making them one of the most prolific chicken predators. And for those who keep backyard chickens, they can be a lot more than a nuisance.
It is quite easy for a fox to get to your chickens and tear through them. In places where foxes are plentiful, you might need to fox-proof your coop or build a chicken coop to keep them at bay and ensure it is completely safe. Of course, this involves a lot of thought and understanding of how foxes behave and in what ways they can attack your hens.
Understand that an averaged size adult fox can easily make its way through the smallest of spaces. In fact, it can pass through a 4 inch hole in your fence. If the wire used for your fence is extremely thin, the fox can easily chew through it.
Whether you have a mobile or a stationary chicken coop, you need to protect it and keep it safe. Here are a few ideas and tips that can ensure your hens stay safe from foxes:
Reinforce Your Wire Fence
Most chicken coops include a wire fence or welded wire mesh that uses sturdy wire to ensure no predators can enter the coop. Electric fencing is not an option for some who want to protect their backyard poultry. However, you should still try to go for something strong and sturdy. Chicken wire about 1 mm thick and with apertures of about 3 inches are suitable.
A steel mesh wire and welded wire are perfect for fox-proofing your hen house. Not only is this galvanized mesh too thick to bite through, but the holes are too small for foxes to pass through them, protecting your hens and rooster from these nocturnal predators.
Use industrial staples to bind it outside the chicken coop as a perimeter. Generally, you can find steel mesh from your local home improvement store.
Another great tip is to add two layers of the fence for extra protection. But, is that enough? Foxes are avid climbers as they can easily climb to heights of about 3 feet. So, ensure that the wire fence is about twice as tall and curves outwards.
You can use electric fences as well. You can buy small solar powered wires and use them at the top area of your fence. This keeps any foxes away by delivering a small shock to them when they come in contact. The shock is bound to leave bad memories that they might associate with the chickens.
Add Protection at the Bottom of the Coop
A simple wire fence may be sufficient in preventing a fox from entering a chicken coop. However, as clever as they are, they are also amazing diggers. If your base is on the ground, they can easily dig through and enter the coop.
To prevent this, here are a couple of tips:
- Attach a permanent mesh to the base of the coop. This helps prevent foxes from digging underneath the fence. You can use a wire mesh that has larger holes to allow your chicken to play in the dirt and scratch their feed
- You might want to give your chickens the liberty to free, open ground where they can easily scratch their feet and find food without wires. For this, place a mesh skirt around the base of the coop that is deeper into the ground. This prevents foxes from digging and getting into the coop. Also, you can place the wire far away from the coop.
As a result, the fox won’t be able to dig nearby and it will make it harder for it to reach the coop. - If you like to move the coop around, then a wire mesh around the coop can hinder it. In such cases, you should let the chickens enjoy a run in the backyard but move the coop to a more secure location in the night. This location can have solid walls as well as a base.
- You can try constructing a solid base for your coop by using wood pellets or concrete. This solid base is quite effective in preventing these sneaky predators from digging under the coop.
Fox-Proof Your Locks
It should come as no surprise that foxes can easily unlock your coop if you don’t use proper locks. Avoid using simple locks such as twist catches as they can knock them open quite easily. Instead, use more complex locks such as latches and key locks.
In addition, you can always install more than one lock on your doors. Also install the locks higher up so the foxes can’t get to them. Moreover, this prevents kids from reaching the locks and accidentally leaving your chickens vulnerable to an attack.
Another great tip is to use a self-locking mechanism that ensures you never leave the coop unlocked by accident.
Seal all Holes
As already mentioned previously, foxes can easily squeeze through small holes. Thus, it is essential that you seal all holes and gaps.
Other Tips to Prevent Fox Attacks
Some other more humane methods of preventing a fox attack are:
- Modify your garden in such a way that foxes are not attracted to it. This can include a huge wire or plastic fence around the garden as well as blocking any deep holes.
- Also, don’t leave your garbage uncovered. It can serve as a food source to these cunning animals. Wrap all the trash, especially food in a bag and lock it securely in a bin.
- Since foxes are nocturnal animals, installing sensor lights around the coop can help deter them. When the lights sensea fox moving toward the coop, they will go on. Such a bright light is sure to deter them from trying to enter the coop.
- Guard dogs can keep predators away by chasing them off or barking if they sense a fox. This will undoubtedly scare the fox away.
- Chemical repellents and ultrasonic devices are another great way to ensure foxes stay away from your coop.
Parting Words
All in all, a fox-proof chicken coop is the best way to ensure your chickens remain safe and secure inside the coop. Adding a fence and a solid base along with a secure lock are the best ways to secure your chicken coop. However, if your particular faces a huge problem with foxes, then you might want to take additional measures such as sensor lights and repellents.
