Tag: chickens

Gardening with Chickens: Plants to Avoid

by: the good life ani’t easy

It’s a question I get asked a lot, what plants are poisonous to hens?
As part of my answer you need to remember that hens are foragers – they nibble plants here and there, and then set off scratching for more bugs. Because the honest answer is that there are LOTS of plants that are considered toxic to chickens but, in my experience, most hens know not to eat them. Continue Reading

Barn Tour and Hens

Visit our hens and the barn where they live. A short video of our our chicken set-up and corral.

Back to Chicken Keeping Resources HOME PAGE

Keeping your Chickens Safe from Fox

Fox Proofing the Chicken Coop 
Suggestions to Keep Fox Away 

TBN Ranch

The fox is an efficient and clever hunter with the capability to dig and maneuver through very small spaces.  With little effort, a fox can chew through chicken wire and open latches that are of simple operation. Factory made coops often have both lightweight wire and flimsy latches which are merely an invitation to dinner for a fox.

Fox are mostly nocturnal animals, so your chickens are most at risk at night, unfortunately, when you’re sleeping.  However, a hungry fox who knows chickens are free ranging during the day, will hunt then.

They’re smart and patient, they will watch your coop for weeks before they attack. Every bird the fox can grab in the coop will be killed, often the entire flock will be completely wiped out. They’ll take as many birds from the coop with them. I think I have your attention now, so here’s what you can do to help protect your flock…

How to Fox Proof the Chicken Coop

  • A wire floor secured to the coop frame will prevent fox from burrowing under the coop. You can get wire that has bigger holes so your chickens can still scratch in the dirt. If that’s not possible, attach a wire skirt around the coop so that a fox can’t dig or burrow near the coop. However, this means you won’t be able to move your coop.
  • Enclose the coop with heavy gauge wire and make sure there are no gaps in the corners, around doors, or where the sides meet the roof.
  • Put two sturdy latches on the coop door, or use a lock.
  • If there access to the nest box make sure it’s locked at night.

Building or Buying a Coop?
Ideal housing for chickens where predators are a problem (which is everywhere) is a ventilated shed or structure with solid walls and a floor for overnight. An attached covered pen with heavy gauge wire and perimeter wire skirting for daytime use.

Suggestions to Help Keep Fox Away

  • Sensor lights near the coop are a help keeping away fox, you can easily buy solar and put them low to the ground.
  • Motion sprinklers near the coop are another option, predators are startled by water.

Hope this article help you keep your flock safe!

Back to Chicken Keeping Resources HOME PAGE