We mentioned the other day that we had a fox around again, and there was a second sighting so the birds are on confinement to their coop and run for a few days. The first day after we’d seen it, we had that fresh snow on the ground, so Luke and I searched for tracks when on our walk in the woods and didn’t find any, nor did we see the fox that day. We were hoping that meant this fox was just passing through. So the next day we decided to let just the guinea hens out. Since they fly better, they can more easily get away from predators. The guinea boys tend to be a little bratty and harass the chickens a lot so we like to give the girls a break from that if we can (they don’t do any damage like we’ve read some guineas do, they are mostly just annoying, but still….). We were hoping it was safe to have them out, but turned out to be wrong.
At least we were right about their ability to get away. We heard the ruckus outside and I saw guineas flying down the driveway and up onto the barn roof and the coop run. They were soon followed by the fox who ran behind the barn and between that and the garage for a second try. By then we were able to make a loud noise to scare him away, though he kept stopping and looking back! Finally he ran off into the woods. Then I panicked when I only counted 8 birds. Dadz went out to check and saw the other two up on the house roof. I knew the fox didn’t have a bird when it ran off, but still I worried, and was quite relieved everyone was accounted for and fine. We stayed outside until we could get the guineas inside for the night (which took some time since they were spooked and didn’t want to come down off the top of the run); and now everyone is being kept inside until things hopefully settle down.
It’s always a tough call having to leave them penned up, but we did learn the hard way that diligence is important for their safety. The fox will try more than once, that’s for sure. Ironically, egg production has been up – usually it goes down when they’re stuck inside. They may still be planning to launch that protest as time goes on, we’ll see! When we feel it’s safe to try again (maybe if we get more snow and it’s harder for wildlife to move around), the guineas will go out first once again. The only time we’ve lost one of them to the foxes has been when they are nesting and not paying attention. On a normal basis, when they are foraging around the yard there is at least one on guard duty, and their excellent flying abilities have helped them out. We still go with the “better safe than sorry” plan though, so we’ll be taking it one day at a time.
Even though the guineas can be bratty, they really love the chickens (and they chase each other too, not just the chickens). Oftentimes when they are out and the chickens are in, they’re hanging out on top of the run anyway! This is another reason that our coop expansion next spring will be good. Even though we’ll probably add to the flock, there will still be more room inside for everyone to hang out when they have to be confined. In the meantime, we’ll continue to hope for that deep snow we had back in November, which seemed to be keeping the unwelcome wildlife away. Hopefully the flock will forgive us for this unexpected, though hopefully temporary, interruption to their freedom.
I imagine that fox sees your farm as a smorgasbord!
Unfortunately so!
Glad everyone is okay and now safe and sound. That wiley Fox needs to go back to his own home and stay away from yours!
It always seems weird when they just suddenly show up out of nowhere. We had hoped he was just passing by, out of his usual territory, but the second time he showed up may have disproved that theory.
It’s always a tough balance when wildlife lives close by. Stay safe!
It sure is. All we can do is what we think is best and hope it works out.
Sounds like your hens were on the ball, thank goodness! Here’s to a big snowfall that will discourage the predators!
We got one! We have about a foot on the ground now; so hopefully that deters him from traveling this far (from wherever he was coming from).
Glad the Guinea’s got away!! That fox needs to go away.
He sure does!!
I am glad everyone was OK. A fox can be very persistent.
We’ve definitely learned that, and I’m glad we know better now.
We agree, better safe than sorry. We had to forego the doggy door in our current house because of Bear and other “big wildlife”. Hope the fox finds better prey away from your place!
There’s plenty of other stuff out there for him…he was just being lazy!
Glad everyone is safe and sound and I hope the fox moves on. That must be so stressful trying to decide whether to keep them penned up or let them have the freedom knowing the fox may be lurking around.
It really is. It’s so hard to find the right balance. They are so much happier free-ranging. But I suppose it’s similar to decisions we have to sometimes make for our pets as well….quality of life vs. health risks.
That mean old fox needs to find his food in the wild not caged birds! What a cheater. LOL! I’m so glad you saw it before it hurt any of the birds.
There’s so much other food out there for him….the squirrel, mouse, and chipmunk populations exploded this year! He’s just an opportunist!!
We don’t want a fox in the hen house. Not a good thing at all.
Have a fabulous day and week. ♥
Definitely not!!
Yep, it sure is the best thing to keep them in where they are safe. Safe and cute is the best!
It sure is!
Bummer for the birds, but you have to be careful with the sly fox around.
We’ve definitely learned that they won’t easily give up, that’s for sure.
I’m so glad that the birds are okay. I got curious about whether any dog breeds are good for protecting chickens… and it appears that such breeds exist. Interesting. In any case, I’m so glad that you’re keeping the birds inside… because the fox is probably still hungry.
Oh yes, I’m sure he is, even though we’ve seen the remains of at least one squirrel that he had for a meal! We’ve got a good snow cover again now, so maybe that will reduce his travels some.
It is my hope someday to get a dog to guard the flock!
Poor birds. Being inside nonstop is only fun when it’s your choice! Hope that the fox moves along soon and everyone can get back to normal.
We sure hope so! I miss watching the birds in the yard too. They can only do so much in their fenced in area!
better safe than sorry is the best way…we have the foxes even in our village where they empty the trash cans… in broad daylight… maybe we all should play Fox On The Run to chase this guys back to the forest…
I’ve had that song in my head ever since I first read your comment. I’m sure I’ll now be singing it whenever I walk Luke. LOL
We love fox, and coyotes, but when they are in our neighborhood it is scary. They need to stay out in nature and leave civilization alone. Glad the bird are all okay, except for not liking being contained.
We agree! There is plenty of food for them out in the woods. I had a friend who had a very scary encounter with a fox when she was walking her little Yorkie. That fox would not back off one bit. At least the ones we’ve had mostly seem skittish of humans.