[darkbrowneggs]

So sorry Sylvia.  What a dreadful thing to have happened.      Will PM you

[chrismahon]

That's terrible news Sylvia and I feel so sorry for you. We had this a month back -found a huge scattering of feathers and birds lying motionless in the run. Thought our place was foxproof on the two sides one would aproach from, but it came in the opposite direction through adjoining gardens and right across the Orchard, down a shingle path and over a 1 metre gate
 
Hope you catch the fox.
 
What sort of fencing dd it get into? We want to build a proper foxproof enclosure and would be grateful for your advice.

[thestephens]

ditto here, we lost 17 over the summer, one night he took 9, his route was through Boris the boars pen!
We have added height to our fencing and boards with heavy rocks where he was digging under.
got 7 new hens and adding more soon

[doganjo]

Know how you feel, lost all my ducks one night, then a  few weeks later one night I was restless, went out to check and the hens were dead and feathers everywhere.  One survived and her and my new ones are now in my brick garage in a  6ft metal dog run with netting over the top. They'll get out when I'm around only!

[Bramblecot]

Sorry about  . .   I have lost mine mainly during the day when they free-range but I know the fox is there at night too as it sets off the dog barking.  I think they patrol every night.  We have had no joy shooting them but the neighbour has shot dozens - we must be over-run with them.  It is so disheartening .

[Moleskins]

  I see the fox here most nights and live in fear of waking up to the same fate.

Sally

Totally baffled Sally, if you see him most nights why haven't you shot him or had him shot? Hens are a bit too dear to replace IMHO to not deal with a fox.

[Roxy]

So sorry this has happened ....its sickening when the fox gets among poultry.  Happened to me some years ago, and I know I was devasted. Mine are free range, but  have been lucky not to lose any.  Do have a very good man who comes shooting, and he clears them out every so often.

[Victorian Farmer]

not good would donate a new hen if not to far away 

[Pedwardine]

Oh, so sorry to hear that. We've had the odd one picked off from time to time at twilight when they're making their way to bed but I can't imagine what it must be like to lose the whole lot. So many things are suggested to 'foxproof' chooks but I guess if the critters are determined enough, and they are clever and observant little sods, they'll still get their intended prey. My thoughts are with you. Hope you get sorted out with both getting the culprit and replacing your lovely chickens soon. 

[jaykay]

Oh no!   

[Sylvia]

Thank you all for your comfort. DBE, have replied to your pm. About eighteen months ago I had a very large area fenced off with deer netting, the bottom turned out to 2ft. and pegged down and the whole about 7ft. high and festooned with barbed wire. The gate was concreted underneath and this has worked until now. When I can summon up the courage and without howling I will go and find out exactly how he got in, put it right and start again.
What I can't replace is my flock of Cornish Game that I have bred so carefully over the years, 'nor, do I think, I want to now. I will choose another breed. I grieve especially for "Treeve Treherne" my beloved cockerel.
Karen my hen run is right next to my pig's field. Jim wants to get a couple of Alpacas but I'm afraid that if they will attack foxes, they might also attack little dogs or my whippets.
One grace note amongst all this jangle, whilst I was dealing with the carnage I found a Khaki Campbell duck that had hidden from the fox. She will go the farm up the road who keep a small flock.
Chrismahon, when I find out where the weak spot is I will let you know.
One good thing about going to live on the land, I will be on hand to guard my stock and my whippets will have some sport!!!!!!
 

[Bionic]

  I see the fox here most nights and live in fear of waking up to the same fate.

Sally

Totally baffled Sally, if you see him most nights why haven't you shot him or had him shot? Hens are a bit too dear to replace IMHO to not deal with a fox.

Moleskins, I don't have a gun and probably wouldn't be a good enough shot if I did. I am hoping the local hunt will come out soon. They come on foot with guns out of season
Sally

[SouthMains]

One good thing about going to live on the land, I will be on hand to guard my stock and my whippets will have some sport!!!!!!
[/quote]

Would it be possible to have your whippets in with the chooks.  I am just in the process of redesigning my chicken space and plan to put the dog kennel in wit the chickens so that hopefully the dogs should deter the foxes.  I don't have any experience with whippets, but I know that my dogs are totally fine with chickens, to the point that my 10 week old chicks now sit on my black lab in the sun as she is obviously a very nice warm and comfy perch!

[Sylvia]

SouthMains, I don't think my whippets and hens would go together   though I might get a border collie pup and kennel it in the run, if I can find the right one.
Anyway I found a hole CHEWED in the netting this morning, they have made a hole big enough for me to get both hands through, so I will have to think of the best way 'round that problem. Any suggestions anyone?

[WarescotFarm]

Oh that is just HORRID! Mr Fox needs a bullet up the backside!

A fox has made 3 attempts into our 'fox-proof' run without success yet but I worry about it too.
They must be developing razor sharp teeth or getting some opposable thumbs working the wire clippers - little sods!

Deep breath and start again x