# Chicken coop predators / trapping a fox **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 12, 2013, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicken-coop-predators-trapping-a-fox/666067 "2013-08-12T20:28:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![tullsterx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e9bcb4/32.png) [@tullsterx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tullsterx)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2013, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicken-coop-predators-trapping-a-fox/666067/1 "2013-08-12T20:28:43Z")
We’ve recently had some predation at our little backyard chicken coop and lost our 3 chickens. I put a trail camera out and caught a picture of a fox in the backyard, so he’s the primary suspect right now. My wife wants to trap him and relocate him, but, I think that may be a waste of time, money and effort. We might end up trapping something else, and if we catch the fox and relocate him, he might just come back or another will probably come around, etc. I guess we could try to shoot him but we live in a pretty tight subdivision and I would be worried about the neighbors. So is it even worth the effort to try to trap the fox? Or should we just reinforce the coop and make it as predator-proof as we can and try some other methods to keep the fox and other predators away? ---
**Author:** ![Finagle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/b19c9b/32.png) [@Finagle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Finagle)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2013, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicken-coop-predators-trapping-a-fox/666067/2 "2013-08-12T20:32:46Z")
You don’t say where you live, but the odds are pretty good that trapping and relocating anything is illegal. A lot of states worry about transmitting disease (e.g. rabies) by moving trapped animals long distances, so they forbid it. ---
**Author:** ![tullsterx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e9bcb4/32.png) [@tullsterx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tullsterx)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2013, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicken-coop-predators-trapping-a-fox/666067/3 "2013-08-12T20:43:12Z")
We don’t plan on getting the law involved if we can help it. But, I’ve heard of such laws and that might be a good argument against trapping. Hmm. . . ---
**Author:** ![bardos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bardos/32/1069_2.png) [@bardos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bardos)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2013, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicken-coop-predators-trapping-a-fox/666067/4 "2013-08-12T20:49:28Z")
I had the same problem here in Spain, with some varmint killing my chickens. I ended up trapping a mongoose, and there was a government body which I called and they came the very next day and relocated it. Mongooses are fierce mofos, btw. The USA may be a whole nother story. ---
**Author:** ![tullsterx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e9bcb4/32.png) [@tullsterx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tullsterx)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2013, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicken-coop-predators-trapping-a-fox/666067/5 "2013-08-12T20:59:29Z")
Yeah, I’ve just done a bit of digging, I’m in North Carolina BTW, and the laws are pretty confusing. I made a call, and turns out I need to get a “nuisance permit” from the Game Warden in order to trap the fox (legally) within my county of residence, and then have to destroy it. ---
**Author:** ![johnpost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f17d59/32.png) [@johnpost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnpost)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2013, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicken-coop-predators-trapping-a-fox/666067/6 "2013-08-12T21:11:43Z")
to catch a fox then you have to think like a fox. do you like the taste of chicken? good then you are part way there. if you relocate then it, or another animal, will be back. have wire or a barrier in the ground deeper than tunneling distance. or easier might be a wire floor to the enclosure. wire or barrier on all sides for night time. ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2013, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicken-coop-predators-trapping-a-fox/666067/7 "2013-08-12T22:08:15Z")
Between the risk of rabies from handling a fox, and the fact that there are always going to be more predators coming along and thinking “Mmmm … chicken!” my vote goes for predator-proofing the coop. Getting rid of the fox is only a temporary fix. ---
**Author:** ![aNewLeaf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ac91a4/32.png) [@aNewLeaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aNewLeaf)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2013, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicken-coop-predators-trapping-a-fox/666067/8 "2013-08-12T22:10:29Z")
Would something like lion urine work? … In this state, shooting a fox would be a major crime. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2013, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicken-coop-predators-trapping-a-fox/666067/9 "2013-08-12T22:19:22Z")
I feel for ya, buddy! We had an owl take out about 20 birds over 3 days last week. The real kick in the gut was the last kill; we spent all day installing netting over the few remaining ones she had and that son-of-a-bitch got in anyway and killed a bunch more! I can’t even imagine trying to trap an owl, so we’re going the “build better pens” route. ---
**Author:** ![Mk\_VII](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Mk\_VII](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mk_VII)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2013, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicken-coop-predators-trapping-a-fox/666067/10 "2013-08-12T22:23:24Z")
Foxes are territorial animals, so he’ll just come back. Or if you took him so far that he couldn’t come back, he’ll be driven out by the other foxes in the region. ---
**Author:** ![sylmar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b782af/32.png) [@sylmar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sylmar)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2013, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicken-coop-predators-trapping-a-fox/666067/11 "2013-08-12T22:48:38Z")
Predator proof the coop and try to remove artificial food sources in the neighborhood ie tight lidded garbage cans, dumpster doors closed at night, and check with neighbors… Some leave pet food on the porch, or even worse ( For you), feed the foxes directly. If you can’t mitigate the easy food sources harassment to get them to move out is an option if you can locate the den. People have had some sucess with predator calls like Coyote howler ™ and Critter Gitter ( Motion activated lights, siren). Last resort, trapping reynaud est tres dificile. Best to get a Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator or whatever facsimile thereof exists in NC. Usually around fifty well spent dollars and that particular animal won’t be returning. ---
**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2013, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicken-coop-predators-trapping-a-fox/666067/12 "2013-08-13T00:36:52Z")
You might put an ad in Craigslist or other venues. There are probably people with this nuisance permit who would trap and remove it for free (for the fun or for the money from selling the pelt…) ---
**Author:** ![tullsterx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e9bcb4/32.png) [@tullsterx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tullsterx)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2013, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicken-coop-predators-trapping-a-fox/666067/13 "2013-08-13T01:46:03Z")
Looks like we’re going to do all-of-the-above. 1. Predator-proof the coop. 2. Monitor the coop area and try to trap anything that shows too much interest. . .and probably terminate (legally, if possible.). I don’t think the trapping is a great idea but my wife is set on it. . . and it sounds like fun. Or see of we can get someone to do it. 3. Put it motion detector lights and sound-makers (they must make those). ---
**Author:** ![sidecar\_jon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a5b964/32.png) [@sidecar\_jon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sidecar_jon)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2013, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicken-coop-predators-trapping-a-fox/666067/14 "2013-08-13T13:25:52Z")
Id say if you have one fox,you have more just waiting to move in too. Make a secure box t lock the hens up every night. ---
**Author:** ![Sailboat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sailboat/32/461_2.png) [@Sailboat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sailboat)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2013, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicken-coop-predators-trapping-a-fox/666067/15 "2013-08-13T14:05:07Z")
I fail to see how you think that _trapping_ a fox would result in another one moving in, but _shooting_ a fox wouldn’t. They’re not going to be deterred by hearing about it on Fox News. ---
**Author:** ![tullsterx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e9bcb4/32.png) [@tullsterx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tullsterx)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2013, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicken-coop-predators-trapping-a-fox/666067/16 "2013-08-13T14:20:09Z")
> [@Sailboat](#): > > I fail to see how you think that _trapping_ a fox would result in another one moving in, but _shooting_ a fox wouldn’t. They’re not going to be deterred by hearing about it on Fox News. I agree. And no one said that. But, keeping a constant Fox News feed running near the coop. . . that would probably work. ---
**Author:** ![Inigo\_Montoya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inigo_montoya/32/124_2.png) [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2013, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicken-coop-predators-trapping-a-fox/666067/17 "2013-08-13T14:22:34Z")
> [@Sailboat](#): > > They’re not going to be deterred by hearing about it on Fox News. **tullsterx** ([del]R[/del] D, well-known supporter of Obamacare and free lunches for minority children, is denying allegations of illegally detaining and destroying an endangered grey fox (vulpes vulpes) in its own territory… But seriously, a varmint proof coop & small run is probably your best bet. Getting rid of your current perp will just expand the territory of the fox/racoon next door and you’ll soon have the same issue. Lion urine might work, but I have to imagine it would absolutely freak out the chickens. Plus, lions require a lot of maintenance and are likely to be more troubling than the fox. ---
**Author:** ![Ulfreida](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ulfreida/32/8014_2.png) [@Ulfreida](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulfreida)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2013, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicken-coop-predators-trapping-a-fox/666067/18 "2013-08-13T15:11:26Z")
We have many predators here. The best measures are proofing. High strong fences, underground L of wire at the bottom, electric wire at the top for climbers (foxes climb as well as dig). Night proofing at our house is a solid wood house with a concrete floor. We have aviary netting on the front for light and air. Trapping is for people who like to trap, as previous posters have suggested, you will just be creating a space for another predator to move into. Owls can be only be thwarted by a wire roof or getting your hens closed in before dusk. ---
**Author:** ![Ulfreida](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ulfreida/32/8014_2.png) [@Ulfreida](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulfreida)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2013, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicken-coop-predators-trapping-a-fox/666067/19 "2013-08-13T15:14:24Z")
> [@The Great Sun Jester](#): > > **tullsterx** ([del]R[/del] … Lion urine might work, but I have to imagine it would absolutely freak out the chickens. Plus, lions require a lot of maintenance and are likely to be more troubling than the fox. Chickens don’t have a sense of smell, so it wouldn’t bother them. I don’t think it would work for predator repellent though – it is said to scare away deer (but I doubt it would for very long). ---
**Author:** ![Inigo\_Montoya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inigo_montoya/32/124_2.png) [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2013, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicken-coop-predators-trapping-a-fox/666067/20 "2013-08-13T15:57:46Z")
> [@Ulfreida](#): > > Chickens don’t have a sense of smell I did not know that. Fascinating. Thank you. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicken-coop-predators-trapping-a-fox/666067.md?page=2)