How can I protect poultry and other pets from foxes?

Poultry and small pets like guinea pigs and rabbits are welcome prey for foxes. Even during the day unattended pets should be kept safe from foxes in suitable enclosures.
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< questions | links >		 Children are always heartbroken when their beloved guinea pig or rabbit is taken by a fox. This drama can be avoided by keeping pets in a safe place.

With foxes residing in urban areas too, it is only to be expected that poultry and pets will be carrried off. From April to June foxes need a lot of food to feed their hungry cubs and show a marked preference for somewhat larger prey (for more ).

A safe enclosure by day and by night
The best way to keep your pets safe outdoors is in a fox-proof enclosure. This is not only so at night but also applies to daytime because foxes in urban areas are often underway during the day.
  • The welded mesh fence should be buried 30 -50 cm in the ground.
  • The mesh should be covered over at the top. If it cannot be covered over then it should be at least 2m high and protected by electric wires – 30cm above the ground and at the top. However, electric fencing is not suitable where children love to play, at least not during the day! (Electric fencing: farming cooperatives, suppliers of fencing or animal needs).
  • Besides foxes, martens can also pose a danger to pets. The mesh holes should be no wider than 3cm while the electric fence needs be installed along the mesh.
  • Make regular checks along the outer sides of the enclosure for signs of digging. On finding any, take immediate action by making the spot secure.
  • Deterrents such as radios, spotlights or other light sources are seldom effective for very long because the animals soon get used to them.
Sometimes foxes even manage to open simple bolts.
  • Secure the pets’ hutch, pen or stall at night using a lock that cannot easily be opened


Related questions
Are foxes a threat to my cat?
How can I prevent foxes from coming into my garden?
What can I do if foxes are living in my garden?


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