Dogs and foxes and chickens

[fenwoman]

We're making some space in our garden for chickens. They'll have a fenced in part of the garden (about 10sq m) plus an enclosed run and ark.

We live in a rural area, and several people near us keep chickens.

One old guy near us has said that because we have a dog, the scent of him (e.g. wee etc) will keep foxes away? Is this true?

Max likes to watch our neighbours chickens (from the other side of a fence) and he wouldn't be allowed in with ours (obviously) but it would be good if the scent of him keeps foxes away!

Not true. foxes aren't stupid, they use their eyes to see if the dog is about before raiding the hen coop. I have 10 dogs but still use electrified poultry netting.

[CrazyParrot]

wow, that is quite expensive! oh well, It'll be worth it in the end - it is just awful when you go in and see all your well loved chickens have been killed. that is the sad thing with foxes - they kill the lot, not just what they need. and as you say, look after the fence and it should last a good number of years!

[yugogypsy]

Yes, its expensive, but worth it in the end. I want the veg this year-I am not running a smorgasbord for deer!

And the chicken wire will cost near as much as I figure I'm going to need about 6 rolls of it, then I have to get some fine mesh-like rabbit wire, to keep the baby chicks in at the bottom.

That Coop and run are going to be as critter proof as I can make them, sure is putting a dent in the pocket book though!

At least its a long time investment.

Lois

[Bezzie]

Ha ha ha ha, this string has really caught my interest, and then the idea of telling my hubby tonight that he can help deter foxes by peeing around the garden perimeter - I've got to see the look on his face when I give him that one and insist that he follows through!!!

Anyone tested it out to see if it really works?

the world is but a canvas to our imaginsations - Henry David Thoreau

[yugogypsy]

Yes, peeing around the garden works! I have Rick go outside for his "nature calls" quite often and we haven't seen any deer lately

Lois

[Bezzie]

Well, that's absolutely crackin! Unfortunately I didn't get my laugh - hubby was quite agreeable to the idea - maybe something to do with his army background then - well, I hope, would rather avoid the alternative thought of him being a closet exhibitionist!
He seemed a bit put out when I said he didn't need to start immediately as we haven't even got the chooks yet. Spoke to very nice man this morning about getting some from him soon.