Predators

A Fox in the Barnyard

A Fox in the Barnyard - The Self Sufficient HomeAcre

A Fox in the Barnyard

Over the years I’ve lost quite a few poultry to predators. This summer a fox has found our chicken pen and has been picking off chickens (I believe 8, so far) in the early morning. To prevent further problems, I started letting the flock out later in the morning and putting them in earlier in the evening. I feel bad making the chickens and ducks wait until 7:30 or 8am to go outside, especially in the heat. But this is for their own good.

A Fox in the Barnyard - The Self Sufficient HomeAcre
Here is what remains from the last pullet taken by the fox.

I don’t want to set traps for the fox or shoot it. The wild animals in our area have fewer resources to survive on with all of the development over the years. So I’m trying to discourage it from coming around.

Several mornings I’ve chased the fox away while still in my pajamas. I’m sure that the neighbors across the street think I’m completely nuts. What a way to start the day! Hopefully he moves on to a new source of food soon.

Do you have predator problems on your homestead?