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08/27/07, 10:16 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Wyoming
Posts: 2,597
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Fox! What's the best way to kill them?
We have a Momma fox. She creeps up and kills my chickens in broad daylight now. We have tried live traps, siccing the dog on her, everything but shooting at her (she always seems to come in from a direction that has no clear backstop!). Nothing. Now she has 2 kits.
We do have some leg snap traps, but I am not sure they are legal to use, and I worry about other animals.
Any ideas?
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08/27/07, 10:32 PM
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Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Kingston, Ok
Posts: 842
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Going to have to find a position for a safe shot. Is it possible to get on the roof and shoot from there??
That or find a neighbor that knows how to trap.
__________________
馬鹿は死ななきゃ治らない。(Baka wa shinanakya naoranai) Can't fix stupid.
四面楚歌 (Seiko udoku) Farm when it's sunny, read when it rains.
知らぬが仏 (Shiranu ga hotoke) Ignorance is bliss.
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08/27/07, 10:35 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Indiana
Posts: 585
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by RockyGlen
We have a Momma fox. She creeps up and kills my chickens in broad daylight now. We have tried live traps, siccing the dog on her, everything but shooting at her (she always seems to come in from a direction that has no clear backstop!). Nothing. Now she has 2 kits.
We do have some leg snap traps, but I am not sure they are legal to use, and I worry about other animals.
Any ideas?
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Maybe a few connibear traps? As far as I'm concerned, on your property, shooting, trapping, it's all legal if they're killing your chickens. Just have to "out fox her"  (couldn't resist).
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"The truth is that all men having power ought to be mistrusted."~ James Madison
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08/27/07, 10:39 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Wyoming
Posts: 2,597
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by kinderfeld
Maybe a few connibear traps? As far as I'm concerned, on your property, shooting, trapping, it's all legal if they're killing your chickens. Just have to "out fox her" (couldn't resist). |
What are connibear traps?
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08/27/07, 10:42 PM
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Ages Ago Acres Nubians
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Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: MO Ozarks
Posts: 2,603
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Last year we had a family of fox (mom, dad & 3 young'ins) decide my chickens & turkeys were there for the taking. Live trapped all the kits. (the neighbor's teenage grandson took them away, don't know if he killed them, shot them or sold them. Didn't ask! just let him have them, one at a time) Shot and killed mom. Dad just kept getting bolder and bolder. He would walk under the horse and into the barn lot (middle of the day) like he owned the place. Tried time and again to shoot him. Either I couldn't get a clean shot or I missed  Bought a different gun, invested in a coyote sized live trap. (too many other critters to set out any other type trap) BEFORE I ever got the chance to put the new trap out....Someone RAN OVER him!!! right in front of our drive. I was so happy! went over to share the good news with the neighbors. Decided I'd get his body and hang him on a fence post (just to let the chickens know the daily killings were over and to make ME feel better) Got home, no fox (hadn't been gone 15 minutes) Some other hillbilly got my fox LOL.... Just to keep it from happening again. I bought two pyrs. They stay with the goats, but the female keeps a good protective eye on the poulty. She got a coon one evening as it headed into the chicken coop for a little take out. Back to the fox. I guess if you can't trap him or shot him... run him over LOL.
susie
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"My darling girl, when are you going to understand that "normal" is not necessarily a virtue? It rather denotes a lack of courage."
http://www.agesagoacresnubians.com/
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08/27/07, 10:49 PM
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Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Kingston, Ok
Posts: 842
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by RockyGlen
What are connibear traps?
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It's a killing trap. Not recommended for the uninitiated.
How close is the neighbors??
Do you have a shotgun that could be used instead?? 12ga with a load of #BB shot would be a safer alternative, than a 22.
Will
__________________
馬鹿は死ななきゃ治らない。(Baka wa shinanakya naoranai) Can't fix stupid.
四面楚歌 (Seiko udoku) Farm when it's sunny, read when it rains.
知らぬが仏 (Shiranu ga hotoke) Ignorance is bliss.
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08/27/07, 11:00 PM
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Eastern N.C.
Posts: 8,834
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If you know she has two kits,do you know where her den is? Find a safe shooting direction at the den. Set there right at day break or after sunset. If there is no safe direction, then set two or three traps at the entrance.Dig a small hole for each trap, just deep enough so the traps will be level with surrounding dirt. Find a few large leaves and lay on each set trap, then sprinkle lightly some dirt on the leaves to make it look like surrounding dirt, That should take care of the problem. If you use connibear traps, just make sure there is no dogs or cats, yours or neighbors, in the area.
Last edited by EDDIE BUCK; 08/27/07 at 11:12 PM.
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08/27/07, 11:22 PM
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by EDDIE BUCK
If you know she has two kits,do you know where her den is? Find a safe shooting direction at the den. Set there right at day break or after sunset. If there is no safe direction, then set two or three traps at the entrance.Dig a small hole for each trap, just deep enough so the traps will be level with surrounding dirt. Find a few large leaves and lay on each set trap, then sprinkle lightly some dirt on the leaves to make it look like surrounding dirt, That should take care of the problem. If you use connibear traps, just make sure there is no dogs or cats, yours or neighbors, in the area.
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Good advice. I wouldn't do it if the den isn't on your property though as it may be illegal. If the fox is getting into your pen, bury the trap as described above where the fox is going under your fence. If you pen is surrounded by weeds or tall grass, look for the trail the fox is using and set a snare. Very effective but illegal in most places. Snares also work well hung off the fence where the fox has dug in. For free range chickens, shooting is you best option.
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08/27/07, 11:30 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Wyoming
Posts: 2,597
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Ya' know.....my head hurts from slapping it! I never thought to use the shotgun instead of the rifle. DUH.
Dh is out of town and will be home tomorrow. I will tell him about burying the traps. Thanks!
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08/28/07, 10:32 AM
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: East central WI
Posts: 1,002
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Get a better dog.
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