Controlling Foxes?

[Vespa]

I was woken up last night as my security light went on outside my bed room window overlooking the back garden. Looking out of the window there was a fox paying a lot of interest in my chicken coup. I opened the window and shouted but the thing just stood there and stared at me. It wasn't until I threw a candle holder at him that he bolted.

Is there any way of discouraging him from coming back now he knows there's chickens there? I don't own a shot gun and wouldn't use one even if I did as I have neighbours left and right (but not at the rear). I do have a non FAC air rifle (ie. sub 12 pounds) which would be quiet but I'm no sure it would be ethical as I'm not sure I could kill it humanely.

I thought about letting the dog out if he comes back, but I'm not sure that would be humane either and besides which foxes do bite back and my dog is my best friend.

I don't like the idea of poisoned dog meat as it's too indiscriminate but I don't want to loose any of my chucks, I've grown quite attached to them in the last few months.

Any one come across the same problem or have any advice on what I can do?

[Plymtom]

Call a pest control man he'll deal with it appropriately, don't quote me because I'm not sure I'm right but I think close range from an upstairs window they can use (probably a moderated) .22LR using your lawn as the backstop, and no you can't shoot it with a pop gun that's just cruel and ineffective, Hugh FW pees around the edges/fences ofhis chicken enclosures- allegedly the scent lets them know there's a man about.

[jansman]

Get to a farm supply shop and get 'Reynardine" or is it 'Renardine'-a very effective repellant. I presume it is still available. I used it years ago when I used to rear pheasants.
Don't even think of poisoned dog meat. Get it wrong and you will be in front of the Magistrate. The aforementioned piss is also a good idea. So is a secure pen. I am fortunate that my Dad taught me to snare, waaay back when God was in shorts, but it does take experience.
As Plymton said, a pest controller is yer man if you are worried, and you could learn something from him for future use.

[Vespa]

Thanks Plymton and Jansman for the advice.

Strangely enough I don't actually want to kill the little swine, I just want it to leave my chickens alone.

I spent a lot of money on a "fox proof coup" but even if it really is fox proof I've been told that if the chucks get frightened they can stop laying.

Anyway, I've searched for Renardine and it was made illegal in 2005 but there is an alternative called Scoot, I'll get some tomorrow and hopefully that'll work.

I've been peeing into a watering can all afternoon (surprising how much you produce) and I'll water around the coup before I go to bed. Couldn't get her who must be obeyed to pee into the can though.

Edit to ask. My dog pees in the garden, shouldn't this have deterred the fox?

[jansman]

Vespa, I am not surprised that something that worked was banned! It was the same woth proper creosote. You should be ok if you have a secure pen. The piss should work, and I am told so does human hair. Barber tomorrow

[junmist]

You can get electric fencing for chickens I would go for the main's ones as they give a high shock but battery ones are good as well

[Hamradioop]

Urban Foxes are becoming a real nuisance. A Pest Control operative should be able to deal with the situation. Either by humane Trap or a 22LR in the correct place. If it is trapped not sure it will be released again, probably humanely destroyed.

[Briggs 2.0]

Call a pest control man he'll deal with it appropriately, don't quote me because I'm not sure I'm right but I think close range from an upstairs window they can use (probably a moderated) .22LR using your lawn as the backstop, and no you can't shoot it with a pop gun that's just cruel and ineffective, Hugh FW pees around the edges/fences ofhis chicken enclosures- allegedly the scent lets them know there's a man about.

A .22LR should do the trick but personally, I prefer to use shotgun shells filled with rock salt. That is enough to stun them long enough for one to get in there with the bayonet follow-up. It's the most humane way I know of

If you're not up for the bayoneting and you chose to get in a professional who traps and releases then bear in mind Mr Urban Charlie Fox is not going to find it an easy life out in the woods or the countryside where he has to work for his dinner. Its chance of survival is pretty slim so it's more humane to put the bugger down.

[Plymtom]

Call a pest control man he'll deal with it appropriately, don't quote me because I'm not sure I'm right but I think close range from an upstairs window they can use (probably a moderated) .22LR using your lawn as the backstop, and no you can't shoot it with a pop gun that's just cruel and ineffective, Hugh FW pees around the edges/fences ofhis chicken enclosures- allegedly the scent lets them know there's a man about.

A .22LR should do the trick but personally, I prefer to use shotgun shells filled with rock salt. That is enough to stun them long enough for one to get in there with the bayonet follow-up. It's the most humane way I know of

If you're not up for the bayoneting and you chose to get in a professional who traps and releases then bear in mind Mr Urban Charlie Fox is not going to find it an easy life out in the woods or the countryside where he has to work for his dinner. It's chance of survival is pretty slim so it's more humane to put the bugger down.

Briggs knows anyway but beware your license conditions, if dispatching foxy isn't on it, don't do it, not sure about the shotgun method though SGC wise or humane could be worse though, you could stun it then make it watch eurovision on a loop.

[Briggs 2.0]

When I last had a chat with the local firearms officer he was quite insistent that Mr Charlie Fox was not to be despatched with a 12G, no matter what the load. So, Mr Plymtom is correct.