Mr Fox & Ratty - A Chicken's Predators

Every Chicken Keeper's nightmare, going to see the chickens only to discover you've suffered a fox attack. Mr Fox splits the nation in two, you either love him or hate him. I have suffered a fox attack before and its not a pretty site at all. The fox see's chickens as food which is only natural, but what most people don't understand is why can't he kill one and leave the rest. Well to a fox it's also a game, if he gets into a run, all the chickens will run around trying to get away. Well the fox see's this as a game and so goes after the others, a fox doesn't care if he leaves a chicken bleeding to death or a chicken is left with its neck broken. As long as he has stopped all the chickens, he has done his job.

So I think we all agree its best to make sure the fox is unable to get into a run or house. To do this you can follow a number of good general rules:

 

Your chicken run must be built strongly and soundly.Regularly check for any repairs.Always put your chickens in for the night, before it gets dark.Your run fencing should be at least 5ft 8in tall above ground.There should be 1ft of fencing below the ground.Ideally cover the top of the run with netting if its feasable.

Most people will say where there's chickens you'll find rats. Its because of the food, water and bedding that attracts rats. Rats can attack a sick chicken and they can spread diseases, take all precautions to make life difficault for the rat. 

 Put all feed in a hanging feeder at least 6in off the ground.Repair any holes in the chicken housing.Store food in closed metal containers.It is best to kill rats at the first sign of them, this can be done by shooting them or using poison. Please make sure any poisons are not left where chickens can access it.