I've been an accidental smallholder for 18 months and have lost a steady stream of hens and now ducks to foxes. We have 5 acres bordering a busy road on one side but fields on the other. Our duck pond, unfortunately is close to the hedge on the field side. I spotted a fox crossing the fields a couple of weeks ago early in the evening since when we have lost another couple of ducks.
All our poultry are completely free range but are put away at night. Less than two hours ago I was sitting in the sunshine on a lounger, about 50 feet from the pond but with my back to it. I heard the sound of 10 ducks taking to the water and turned round to see an adult male fox (I think)
It saw me and legged it back through the hedge!
I've seen this question asked often online. Is there any effective way of keeping foxes away? I'd prefer not to shoot them but could get a shotgun licence and would be prepared as a last resort to do this.
Every other suggestion I've seen seems to divide opinion as to whether they are actually effective or not. So the following spring immediately to mind but I doubt this list is conclusive: Human Male urine, electric fences, alpacas, Lllamas, Guinea fowl, ultrasonic fox deterrents.
Speaking to a new neighbour I am told that this area has never had hunts across it and so there are plenty of foxes around. He reckons he's seen groups of adult foxes together on many occasions over the 20 years he's lived in the area. Is there any reliable way of deterring foxes short of a gun? If not I'll apply for a licence. If so I'll take that option.