The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: doganjo on June 03, 2012, 11:03:05 am

Title: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: doganjo on June 03, 2012, 11:03:05 am
Couldn't understand why there was no chorus when I went out the front door this morning -
was very stupid last night, forgot to shut my ducks in last night and Mr Fox got them all. My lovely Swedish Blue Drake, Jack, his Khaki Campbell wife, Jemima, and their three young daughters - hope our local farmer gets you Mr Fox and I hope you killed my poor ducks quickly. A dead youngster in the run was a good way of telling me your evil deeds. Thank goodness the hens were inside their shed. They'll be shut in from now on!

I HATE foxes!  They are NOT cuddly little furry things they are murderers!
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: deepinthewoods on June 03, 2012, 11:08:25 am
sorry to hear that annie, they are buggers. :bouquet:
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: Bionic on June 03, 2012, 11:11:20 am
 :bouquet: Ah, so sorry to hear they have all been taken.
sally
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: sabrina on June 03, 2012, 11:16:26 am
Could have been a vixen teaching cubs to kill, I once lost 17 in one morning years ago. So sorry for you Annie it is horrible and hope the farmers does get the fox as chances are it will be back for the chickens.  :bouquet:
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: jaykay on June 03, 2012, 11:22:18 am
Oh no  :-*  It's a rotten outcome for one little mistake  :-*
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: Fowlman on June 03, 2012, 11:39:06 am
I know how you feel i lost 33 in one night many years ago.
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: Mammyshaz on June 03, 2012, 12:46:13 pm
Oh so sorry.  :bouquet:   Big  (( hugs)) .
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: goosepimple on June 03, 2012, 01:42:22 pm
That's rubbish, it really is, I really feel for you, ducks are so lovely.  Maybe check around for other holes and things just in case it was stoats or something else too.  Sad day, tomorrow will be better  :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: Andrew on June 03, 2012, 01:53:26 pm
Annie sorry to hear your news, as you know our ducks were originally from Jack and Jemima, we have a drake who is very like Jack in looks who is his grandson, he is running with khaki campbells and I would be more than happy to give you some eggs if you wish.
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: doganjo on June 03, 2012, 02:23:28 pm
Thank you, Andrew, I'll have a think about that.  I have 8 eggs here but there are pheasants in my incubator just now - due to hatch in a week I think. So maybe after that.  Much appreciated.
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: NickiWilliams on June 03, 2012, 03:18:32 pm
So sorry to hear your news. Keeping all crossed that your local fox gets his karma. :'(
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: jools66 on June 03, 2012, 03:53:32 pm
My thoughts are with you. That is 1 of my big fears for my chickens and touch wood i have been lucky so far.
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: doganjo on June 03, 2012, 06:11:37 pm
My gundog has just been out in the front paddock and brought me back the other two youngsters (minus their heads), I sent him out a few times but he didn't find any more so the parents must have been taken away, presumably to feed cubs.  My son has just been over to put a new catch on the chicken shed door and a heavy wooden pop hole cover.  Just must make sure I shut them in every night.
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: jaykay on June 03, 2012, 06:18:32 pm
You got a phone or computer you can put a reminder in that will beep at you?


I've been trying to leave my runners in later in the morning, to get more eggs, but then I forget to let them out at all so I get my phone to beep and remind me (http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k70/jaykayg/c823d305.jpg)
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: Eastling on June 03, 2012, 06:34:59 pm
So sorry to hear that, we lost 3 chicken to the fox a while ago. Have someone that comes out to shoot rabbits and every time he comes out the fox never shows his face. But his days are numbered
 
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: benkt on June 03, 2012, 07:45:45 pm
Really sorry to hear that. We've lost half a dozen ducks to foxes in both the last two winters and it is gutting.


At our old place I would always  close the curtains as soon as I came in from closing the chickens up and it worked really well as it became habit  to get up to close the curtains as it got dark and then stop, go out and lock the chickens up and come back in to finally close them. It doesn't work out here as we are in the middle of nowhere and don't really bother with curtains unless its cold so now I have a permanent alarm set up on my phone to nag me, currently it goes off at 9.42pm precisely.


I've also got Khaki's (as well as Aylesbury's and some Appleyard youngsters) and have been hatching this year so if you want any eggs just let me know...

Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: nettelein on June 03, 2012, 08:01:51 pm
 :'( so so sorry for you :'( It breaks my heart each time I hear of another fox attack.
Lost my lovely ducks in January the same way............
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: Rosemary on June 03, 2012, 08:06:43 pm
Yup, I have the phone alarm set to remind me too. Previously, I forgot a couple of times but luckily got away with it as we do have foxes round here.

Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: chrismahon on June 03, 2012, 08:25:33 pm
Very sorry to hear about that Doganjo. My wife reminds me most nights that it's getting dark and it's time to put them all away. We had an attack Christmas Eve in broad daylight and it was back next day, so an electric line went up as well as the fences being repaired. Pretty sure one comes round from another direction every night as well -seen him and the footprints in the snow. He walks round and checks every coop and run from a distance without breaking step. Then jumps back over the 5' 6" wall where he came in without touching it!
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: jaykay on June 03, 2012, 08:34:00 pm
In general my dogs aren't loose where the hens are or the ducks, but I try to remember to let Skye out every now and then to 'water' the houses. Think it helps keep the fox at a distance, I find the remains of eaten things in the fields but not often any evidence too close to home. Maybe the goats help too, they are around both chook and duck houses?
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: doganjo on June 03, 2012, 08:49:42 pm
My dogs are out in the front paddock every day, hasn't stopped him.  Allez sometimes used to break into the run and retrieve them to me.  They had got used to it so perhaps they didn't make much fuss when Foxy went in to their shed.  Anyway, they haven't died in vain, two of them are in the freezer for retreiving practice. ::)


Not suer whether I'll have more ducks or not.  Andrew has very kindly offered me eggs from their offspring, and Robert and his wife, who I'm hatching pheasants for have said they'll get me a drake as a thank you.  Time is  healer they say.  We'll see. :'(
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: SallyintNorth on June 03, 2012, 08:58:18 pm
Oh, bad luck Annie  :bouquet:  It's a horrible horrible thing to happen - but we do all go through it.  {{{{hugs}}}}
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: Brijjy on June 03, 2012, 11:58:51 pm
Bloody foxes  >:( . So sorry  :bouquet: . That's the trouble the damn things are so clever, one little mistake and they are straight in there.
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: Emmam on June 04, 2012, 08:44:24 am
So sorry to read this.  Son put his chicks on the lawn in a run for some fresh air and son found fox sat on top of the run in broad daylight, bashing the run to try to get to them.  Our collie chased the fox off.  One chick died of fright.   He had passed through a paddock of sheep with their lambs to get to the chicks. >:(   I know that he would be feeding his young but don't want him to eat our young in the process....  Local gamekeeper came up and sat in field the other night for a few hours but no luck.
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: Bramblecot on June 04, 2012, 09:25:40 am
Know how you feel  :bouquet: so sorry.  Lost 20 bantams to the foxes in daylight attacks this year >:( , and have chased one out of the garden myself.  Had an attack on a lamb too.  Gamekeeper put in a fox trap for me - and we haven't seen one since  ::) . ..but I know they are still there...waiting.
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: jaykay on June 04, 2012, 09:29:55 am
My Dad uses a fox trap which Mum regards as a complicated way of feeding foxes dead chickens.........


This thread is getting me nervous, my birds free range over a couple of acres. Will keep on with letting the dogs wander and hope the foxes round here are more respectful of dogs than some of the ones encountered in this thread  :o
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: feldar on June 04, 2012, 09:38:13 am
A fox took one of our hens from the patio in broad daylight. We think it's a vixen with cubs so she's desperate for food. I used to love watching my hens cluck around the garden, but now i have to leave them shut in for their own safety. i'm even worried to let them out when i'm there cause the garden is overgrown and i'm worried sly fox will slip in and get one.
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: Mel Rice on June 04, 2012, 09:58:31 am
My thoughts are with you....the evenings are so long at the moment that to get the ducks in is a just before bed thing...and when you are already in your jimjams not an appealing walk outside. Your post has made me more determined to do it as I lost all my last years ducks to Mr fox when they were at the same age as mine are now.
If you have found all the youngsters Im surprised that you havnt found Mum and Dad as they are so heavy. Foxy usually only takes the lighter birds to ease the getaway!
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: doganjo on June 04, 2012, 12:06:14 pm
Quote from: Mel Rice on June 04, 2012, 09:58:31 am
If you have found all the youngsters Im surprised that you havnt found Mum and Dad as they are so heavy. Foxy usually only takes the lighter birds to ease the getaway!
Nope, no sign.  If they were in the front paddock Allez would have found them.  Jemima wasn't a big duck but Jack was a large Swedish Blue drake!  Very handsome and I am so sorry to lose him.
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: cooped-up on June 04, 2012, 12:30:36 pm
Sorry to hear about your loss Doganjo
Mr fox paid us a visit last night about 7 lost 3 including little silver wyandotte which won a first at show on sat
gutted
long night tonight waiting with gun  :(
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: doganjo on June 04, 2012, 12:35:01 pm
Oh, I'm so sorry.  :'( :'(  My ducks were just my wee pals, I didn't show them, but I show my dogs so I feel for you - an added misery level. :(
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: AllenFrost on June 04, 2012, 12:39:52 pm
Sorry to hear about that.  That situation has been my biggest fear about raising chicks.  Since I sometimes get back from work quite late, I installed a solar powered, light activated, automatic pop door on my coop.   The chicks go in before dark and the door closes about 30 minutes after dark.  It then opens at dawn before the chicks and I am up.
I also have my mobile coop, which I move about the pasture for free ranging, surrounded by solar powered electric netting fence to keep out predators, so they have double protection.  I still go out every morning to feed and water them and do a head count, just in case.  Raising animals can be a rewarding task and sometimes heart breaking but we still love it.
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: cooped-up on June 04, 2012, 12:45:16 pm
Thanks,we have seen this before but nothing takes the shock away, didnt get the chance to shut them in  :-[
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: doganjo on June 04, 2012, 12:53:29 pm
Quote from: AllenFrost on June 04, 2012, 12:39:52 pm
I installed a solar powered, light activated, automatic pop door on my coop.   The chicks go in before dark and the door closes about 30 minutes after dark.  It then opens at dawn before the chicks and I am up.
I also have my mobile coop, which I move about the pasture for free ranging, surrounded by solar powered electric netting fence to keep out predators, so they have double protection. 
That would cost a fair bit of money over here in the UK (I see you are in the US), and I dare say if many of us could afford it we'd do just the same.  My ducks would have been safely enclosed in a dog cage and shed unit had I remembered to shut them in it.   ::)
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: NickiWilliams on June 04, 2012, 12:56:14 pm
Dodanjo, it is devastating and we really feel for you. If you would like some eggs to incubate, you are very welcome to them  :)
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: doganjo on June 04, 2012, 01:47:15 pm
Quote from: NickiWilliams on June 04, 2012, 12:56:14 pm
Dodanjo, it is devastating and we really feel for you. If you would like some eggs to incubate, you are very welcome to them  :)
Thank you, I've had a number of similar offers.  I'm going to build a new run first before I decide what I'm going to do - the old one will be rested and resown.  Off to buy grass seed today.
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: deepinthewoods on June 04, 2012, 02:39:51 pm
ive resown where my last chooks were, and its grown like a b......d, loads of nutrients in the soil.
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: scotelf on June 04, 2012, 11:12:09 pm
Really sorry to hear this  :(   I hope someone gets rid of the fox (es).


I had to stop mine free ranging in the daytime. Now I've moved they are all in heras fencing pens again. Not fox proof, but I'm hoping with being shut in at night it's enough to keep them safe.


I've forgotten a few times too to close my coop doors, but not been as unlucky as you, hope you get some other ducks when you are ready.
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: SallyintNorth on June 04, 2012, 11:39:04 pm
Quote from: doganjo on June 04, 2012, 12:53:29 pm
Quote from: AllenFrost on June 04, 2012, 12:39:52 pm
I installed a solar powered, light activated, automatic pop door on my coop.   The chicks go in before dark and the door closes about 30 minutes after dark.  It then opens at dawn before the chicks and I am up.
I also have my mobile coop, which I move about the pasture for free ranging, surrounded by solar powered electric netting fence to keep out predators, so they have double protection. 
That would cost a fair bit of money over here in the UK (I see you are in the US), and I dare say if many of us could afford it we'd do just the same.  My ducks would have been safely enclosed in a dog cage and shed unit had I remembered to shut them in it.   ::)

http://ascott-dairy.co.uk/acatalog/Electronic_Doorkeeper.html (http://ascott-dairy.co.uk/acatalog/Electronic_Doorkeeper.html)
Not cheap, no, but for peace of mind for those who have the odd night when you can't be back or might forget, Ascott charge £155 + VAT for the complete light activated, automatic pop door system. 
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: kitchen cottage on June 05, 2012, 08:06:47 am
 I am so sorry for you.  I lost some chickens to Mr Reynard and I felt so guilty for letting them roam too far.  I have one free range (Emily) who seems to outsmart him but all the other hens are in a run. 
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: Maesgwyn on June 05, 2012, 08:49:57 am
http://www.foxolutions.co.uk (http://www.foxolutions.co.uk) We are trying this at the moment and since putting it in have not lost any birds, we have had 11 duck and three hens taken in the last month and I watched the fox go through the stock fencing.  'fraid it has a lot to do with fox hunting being banned, also I have heard that some urban foxes are being rehomed in the country side that is why they are not so shy
Julia
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: jaykay on June 05, 2012, 08:53:57 am
AllenFrost had solar powered netting as well as the automatic door. Don't think I'd want to rely on solar powered anything here under The Fell where even when it's sunny down the dale I have a cloud!

Automatic doors are good for chooks, who take themselves to bed when it gets dark. But ducks often don't, so they're good for letting ducks out later in the morning so that they've laid before they go out, but someone still has to be around at night to herd them in. At least ducks will herd.
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: doganjo on June 05, 2012, 10:25:03 am
I was thinking that about the solar powered stuff - not much good here in Scotland either, and my shed isn't close enough to the house for electricity to be installed without a fair cost.  So it's back to the old DIY system - keep an eye at all times possible. 
Still debating whether to have more ducks or not - I now have about 20 eggs offered and 2 drakes.  Either way the pen must be made first and that depends on when my son has time to spend on it as well as the other jobs I need done when he comes to visit - apart from just wanting to chat to him! ;D
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: jaykay on June 05, 2012, 10:31:31 am
Yes, go for it. Otherwise the b£#%€¥ fox has won  :-*

You've got some ideas to make sure it won't happen again.
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: feldar on June 05, 2012, 12:21:18 pm
There does seem to be an awful lot of foxes around this year i usually spot one or two  but lately we seem to see them almost daily and in different areas, really bold just look at you and say  " so what you looking at!!". At night they are screaming all the time.
Time for some control methinks, got a young lad who shoots rabbits around here i wonder if he might hang around one night and take a few foxes
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: SallyintNorth on June 05, 2012, 12:41:33 pm
Quote from: doganjo on June 05, 2012, 10:25:03 am
I was thinking that about the solar powered stuff - not much good here in Scotland either, and my shed isn't close enough to the house for electricity to be installed without a fair cost.  So it's back to the old DIY system - keep an eye at all times possible. 
Annie, the autocloser is battery powered, the battery just fits in the unit.  I ran mine like this very successfully in Exmoor, each battery lasted a good year, I think.  But I take jaykay's point about ducks not taking themselves to bed, so it's no help at all for ducks, only useful for hens.
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: NickiWilliams on June 05, 2012, 01:10:09 pm
Do I have the only ducks who take themselves to bed? They do it every night without fail, lead by Captain Underpants; shortly after the chickens have tucked themselves up and are snoring away contentedly.

I'm really intrigued now!!!  :&>
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: sabrina on June 05, 2012, 01:12:26 pm
My ducks went to bed each night with the chickens.
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: doganjo on June 05, 2012, 01:51:26 pm
My ducks sometimes stayed out all night but that was in a Great Dane sized dog cage attached securely to their shed - impregnable to a  fox.  The issue here is that I forgot to shut their cage door. so no amount of battery or sun or electrical appliance would have helped.  Not only that there have never been foxes seen around here.  I live between a railway line and a main road with 6 foot fencing both sides, and the village is at the other side of that railway line.
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: jaykay on June 05, 2012, 02:37:22 pm
My new Muscovies take themselves to bed as did Mrs Call Duck with her new babies last night. But the runners and geese wait to be called and herded. And the adults Calls don't regularly come in at all.

Yes, the automatic doors are battery powered but the electric fence which AllenFrost had, which added to the safety, was solar powered. Mind you, folk run electric poulty netting from car batteries I gather. Then the worry is you switch it off to go in and collect eggs or whatever and forget to switch it back on.....

It's always something.
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: Polished Arrow on June 05, 2012, 03:04:58 pm
So sorry for your loss.  Ducks have huge characters, don't they, so losing them unecessarily hurts even more.  :bouquet:
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: Penninehillbilly on June 05, 2012, 07:50:49 pm
Sorry to hear about your losses, I know just how you all feel, hopefully my 'problem' has been dealt with.
My call ducks would normally be around waiting to go in, I fed them inside at nights, they spent the day foraging so maybe only got a few layers pellets if they came up to the water trough.
I don't see why solar power wouldn't work? during summer there should be enough light, winter they are shut in earlier anyway so it would be easier to remember?
I'm sure I've seen how to make a homemade one somewhere - Youtube?
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: chrismahon on June 05, 2012, 08:37:22 pm
We just use a 115Ah leasure battery on our Rutland unit. Runs for about a month on slow pulse and would last even longer if I switched it to daylight only. Problem is it's in a shed and on a cloudy day it may switch off. It's a good sized unit though, over 1 Joule, enough for 12 Poultry nets apparently. Batteries last about 4 years and we have a much smaller one to use while it's on charge in the house.
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: doganjo on June 05, 2012, 09:45:20 pm
I can't keep my hens locked in their run 24/7. That is not fair on them.  I will now only let them out in the paddock if I am around, and I have a little dog who can be out with them - she doesn't chase them.  But if I go out they will have to go back in their run which is wood fenced to 4 feet all around, and I'll try to rig up netting over the top - more as a deterrent than anything.  I'm sure foxy loxy will probably be able to overcome that.    I put them in their shed early tonight at 8pm with their tea.  Can't do any more just now, and if I think about things too much just now I'll get depressed. :'(
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: Beewyched on June 05, 2012, 10:21:15 pm
Oh Annie  :bouquet:
I really feel for you, we lost both our hand reared goslings & most of our ducks the other week to a bl**dy fox - absolute carnage faced us that morning - lots of tears  :'(  as we collected-in the little bodies.
It's just so quite in the morning now without them running up to the door to great us.  The goslings especially had great personalities & would follow us all over the garden.  We already had 4 eggs in the incubator, due next week & although they won't replace them, it will bring back life to the garden again.
 
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: Mammyshaz on June 05, 2012, 10:57:31 pm
Oh that's awful, I'm worried sick re fox attack so we have a large wired run for our hens but when we are around they get let out. When we Are due to go out we rattle the treat box and they run back in for a treat. Tho it's not ideal it is still a better environment that many hens have and they are safe. They came to us at pol and now know no different. Perhaps if you get young ones of breeds that are happy confined they will enjoy. Just think of the eggs   :yum:

Sorry don't know what to advise with ducks 

Still doesn't help with the little ones you have already lost   :bouquet:  so sorry.
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: Teapot on June 06, 2012, 12:46:05 pm
Am new here but wanted to say how sorry I was to hear of your losses. :(   We have had several fox attacks and lost quite a few chickens - the last time was in May 2011 when we lost 7 of our 11 - including my youngest daughter's favorite pet bantam.    I know how upsetting it is.  On the plus side the fact you are upset means you cared for them a lot.  <3
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: doganjo on June 10, 2012, 10:59:49 am
Just wanted to say thank you to everyone for their kind thoughts, suggestions, and offers of eggs and grown birds for restocking.  I have decided not to have any more ducks for the moment and concentrate on keeping my hens safe.  Our local farmer offered 6 foot chicken wire that apparently foxes hate because of the gap size.  - and he said the next fox shot will be retribution for my drake and ducks.
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: Mammyshaz on June 10, 2012, 11:04:37 pm
Great to hear you have good help close by  :thumbsup: ,  Hope they get the troublemaker and you can enjoy giving some new girlies such a loving home. 
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: HelenVF on June 11, 2012, 09:32:59 am
Just caught up with this (busy week!), and I'm really sorry :(  I lost a couple to a fox earlier this year and it's horrible. 

Helen
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: wonderpupp on June 11, 2012, 09:47:56 am
Sorry to hear that, but lesson learned, you will never forget to shup up your birds at night ever again.
 
 
We had a fox left three headless runner ducks in the run. Worst thing was they dont kill to eat, just for fun from the looks of it.
 
And my farmer next door actually feeds the fox. Fortunately, my fox terrier and Jack Russell have had a couple of run-ins when mr Fox has come into the garden at night, and Now we have Colin the sheep on patrol, the fox leaves us alone. See the sheep, hear the dog, thinks to himself "not worth it"
Title: Re: Stupid me! Sad day
Post by: NormandyMary on June 11, 2012, 09:58:01 am
After losing countless chooks to Mr Fox by having my girls free ranging, we had to make the decision to pen them in. I too forgot one night to shut the little flap to their house, and to compound the problem, I forgot to put the electric fence on. The following morning, I found 1 body and feathers of 2 others. Ive learnt my lesson now, never to leave anything to chance. Ive even got out of bed at midnight before now after realising Ive forgotten to lock them in.
No more free dinners from us for Fox.
Sorry I havent sent you hugs and condolences before now doganjo. I cant imagine the loss you must be feeling. :bouquet: