I've lost 3 chickens in the last week. I discovered the culprit this morning.
Soon after opening the barn for the day, I saw a red fox. I didn't have my gun on me, which was stupid on my part. I heard the fox late last night and knew we had been losing birds. I should have taken it with me. A little while after opening the barn, we saw it again briefly and not long later, heard a hen squaking from the inside the tree line.
I believe the fox has discovered that opening the barn means the days meal will soon be on its way.
Most often, my varmint control is limited to feral cats and possum. Losing chickens is a big deal and this fox is getting brave, and bold. It's had an easy meal that hasn't really cost it exposure or any threat until this morning.
So I'm watching for it, and while I don't dig having to take the animal, I can't replace chickens until its gone. And hopefully soon. Worst case scenario, I'll watch again tomorrow morning after opening everything up for the day, and if I must I'll set snares.
Soon after opening the barn for the day, I saw a red fox. I didn't have my gun on me, which was stupid on my part. I heard the fox late last night and knew we had been losing birds. I should have taken it with me. A little while after opening the barn, we saw it again briefly and not long later, heard a hen squaking from the inside the tree line.
I believe the fox has discovered that opening the barn means the days meal will soon be on its way.
Most often, my varmint control is limited to feral cats and possum. Losing chickens is a big deal and this fox is getting brave, and bold. It's had an easy meal that hasn't really cost it exposure or any threat until this morning.
So I'm watching for it, and while I don't dig having to take the animal, I can't replace chickens until its gone. And hopefully soon. Worst case scenario, I'll watch again tomorrow morning after opening everything up for the day, and if I must I'll set snares.