The fox is the number one enemy of garden hens, even in town. It is patient, discreet, and comes back wherever it has already found food. The good news: a few simple habits are enough to deter it.
1. Close the pop hole every evening
It's the most effective step. Hens go back in by themselves at nightfall: all you have to do is close up behind them. An automatic door can do it for you.
2. A covered wire-mesh run
A run enclosed on the sides and on top protects against both foxes and birds of prey. Most of our galvanised steel runs have a covered roof or a covered section.
3. Stop it digging
Foxes often get in underneath. Bury a 30 to 40 cm strip of mesh all around the run, or lay a mesh “skirt” flat on the ground, attached to the bottom of the fence.
4. Check the weak points
Mesh that's too wide, a door that doesn't close properly, a gap under the house: walk around the setup once a month.
5. Don't leave food out at night
Leftovers attract rodents, which in turn attract predators. Bring in or put away the food in the evening.
6. Be vigilant at dawn and dusk
These are the fox's favourite times. Avoid letting your hens roam free in the garden then.
7. Think about dogs and martens too
A sturdy run, lockable doors and a raised house also protect against stray dogs and small predators.