fox
fox on Alektorophobia: a running collection of 12 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on fox in some way — the news, the analysis, the deep dives, and the occasional surprise find. Chickens. Everything there is to know about chickens and the fear of them. New stories are added to this page as we find them, so check back if you want to keep up with what is happening around fox, or subscribe to the RSS feed to get them as soon as they are published. Browse the collection below, or head back to the homepage to see everything Alektorophobia is covering right now.
Carnage yesterday
Well, folks, gather 'round for a cluck-tastic cautionary tale! Yesterday, in a twist of fate that could make even the bravest chicken enthusiast shudder, a sly fox decided to pay a visit during the day. While I was at work and my husband was home, that sneaky predator took out my entire flock—without a peep! So here’s my PSA: if it’s spring, raining, and overcast, don’t just lock up your feathered friends at night; stay vigilant during the day too! If you’re looking for a lighter take on chicken antics, check out "Send me your yawning chickens 🐔" for some heartwarming fluff to brighten your day. Stay safe, chicken lovers!
Fox attack
This morning, our feathered friends faced a shocking encounter when a fox launched an attack while they were safely caged in their run. One brave chicken had her tail feathers nearly yanked out—leaving her with just one remaining! While she’s a little ruffled, we’re concerned about her overall condition. The area looks quite red and tender, and we’re unsure if there’s any additional damage to her anatomy that warrants attention. As I try to clean her up—foam bubbles included—I'm reaching out to the community for insights and reassurance. If you’ve ever wondered about the differences between pullets and cockerels, check out our article “Pullet or Cockerel?” for some fun facts! Thanks for your help!
What would only kill and eat one chicken?
Oh no! It sounds like you've had quite the cluck-tastrophe in your coop. Discovering a hen has been taken is never easy, especially when it seems like a mystery predator decided to dine on just one of your feathered friends. From your description, it’s clear that this isn’t the usual fowl play you’ve dealt with before. While raccoons and foxes typically leave more chaos in their wake, the targeted approach hints at a more stealthy predator. A bobcat could indeed be a suspect, as they are known for being both cunning and effective hunters. However, there are other possibilities too, like coyotes or even a determined hawk that might have thought your hen was an easy meal.
Is this hormones or something more sinister.
Have you ever had a feathered friend go completely bonkers? One Easter Egger has returned after a mysterious absence, and she’s acting like she’s just discovered a secret stash of bath salts! Darting around, puffing up like a proud tom turkey, and screeching at everything in sight, she’s got the entire flock in a tizzy. It’s not every day you see a chicken acting neurologic, especially after disappearing for so long. With a small line of woods behind the house, there’s a chance she was off laying eggs or perhaps having an adventure of her own. Is this behavior just the antics of a super broody hen, or could there be something more sinister at play? Let’s dive into the cluck-tastic chaos!
Chicken fencing help
Are you ready to create a cluck-tastic fortress for your feathered friends? It sounds like you’re on the right track with that 6-foot hardware cloth to keep those pesky digging predators at bay! When it comes to filling in the area, gravel can provide good drainage and stability, but it might be a bit too tempting for burrowing critters. Soil could work too, especially if you compact it well, but it may not deter determined diggers. For your fence posts, consider a mix of gravel at the base for drainage and soil for stability. Since you're covering the run with netting, it sounds like a feathered paradise in the making—just make sure it’s predator-proof! Happy clucking!
5 month Rooster update
It’s been five cluck-tastic months since we rescued Curly, our ditched rooster from the local park, and what a wild ride it’s been! This feathered hero has not only brought joy to our backyard flock but has also saved them from a sneaky fox that thought it could steal the show. Curly has embraced his role with gusto, siring seven healthy chicks and proving to be an unexpected necessity in our little chicken community. His quirky personality and protective spirit have made him a beloved member of the family. Join us as we celebrate Curly's remarkable journey and the delightful chaos he brings to our lives. Here’s to more egg-citing adventures ahead!
Chickens first night visitor
When the sun sets and your feathered friends settle in for the night, the last thing you want is an unexpected visitor—especially a sly fox! If you find yourself in city limits, dealing with urban wildlife can feel particularly daunting. Fear not, fellow chicken lover! While the thought of a fox lurking nearby might make you want to cluck and dash for cover, there are practical steps you can take to protect your flock. From reinforcing your coop to setting up clever deterrents, this guide will help you keep your chickens safe and sound. So, gather your wit and whimsy, and let’s dive into some egg-citing solutions to outsmart those crafty night prowlers!
Sad day today
Today is a heart-wrenching day for me and my feathered friends. I cherish the bond I have with my chickens, especially Henrietta, the fearless leader who always greets me with enthusiasm. But tragedy struck when I stepped inside for just a moment, only to return and find feathers scattered everywhere—particularly from their dust hole. The sight was devastating, and despite my desperate search with my husband, I only found more feathers leading into the woods, hinting at a predator’s involvement. I suspect a fox, which has previously wreaked havoc in the area, may be responsible. My heart aches not just for Henrietta, but for the safety of my remaining girls as I grapple with the fear of losing them, too.
Fix old stable or buy small coop?
Are you ready to embark on your poultry adventure but stuck pondering the best chicken housing solution? You’re not alone! With your old stable and a desire for 4-6 feathered friends, you might be at a crossroads: fix up the stable or invest in a dedicated coop. Given that you’re renting and want to keep costs in check, converting the stable could be a cluck-tastic option! By screening off one end, adding roosting bars, and creating a cozy nesting box on a raised sand floor, you could craft a delightful chicken haven. While predators like foxes might be lurking, a little creativity can turn that neglected stable into a charming coop that suits your needs without breaking the bank!
Critique before adding chickens? (Post says the work still to be done) Thanks!
Thinking of adding some cluck-tastic companions to your backyard? Before you dive into chicken ownership, it’s essential to critique your setup! Our temporary coop is 4x6 with an 8x8 run, plus a yard tunnel for those adventurous moments. While it’s cozy, I’m aware it’s not massive, so I’m also planning a moveable chicken enclosure for fresh grass and a climbing area with a swing! I’ve secured everything with hardware cloth and added extra measures to deter those pesky predators like foxes and hawks. The coop will feature an automatic door and protective coverings for the windows. But I want your input! What am I missing? Any advice for ensuring my feathered friends feel safe and happy? Let’s brainstorm together!
Best 5 bucks I’ve ever spent
Meet Van Gogh, the ultimate feathered hero and the best five bucks I've ever spent! I adopted him from a rescue a few years ago, and he's always been a good roo. But last night, he truly proved his worth. We've been dealing with a pesky fox that burrowed into our coop, putting our 14 ducks and 10 chickens at risk. While it did claim one chicken, Van Gogh stood his ground and fought valiantly to protect his flock. He emerged with a few scratches and some missing feathers, but his bravery shines through. My husband aptly calls him “Van ‘let’s f**king’ Gogh,” and I couldn’t agree more—12/10 for this courageous clucker! A true champion of the coop!
Proud of my best boy Tiki who fought off a fox this morning
This morning, my brave boy Tiki became the ultimate defender of our feathered friends! When a cunning fox swooped in and snatched one of the girls, Tiki sprang into action, slamming the fox and making it drop our hen. Thankfully, I was able to rush outside just in time to scare off the intruder. While our hen lost just a few feathers, she’s perfectly fine and grateful for Tiki's heroics. In true gentleman style, Tiki celebrated with a feast of mealworms, generously sharing most with the girls. However, the fox may return, as it has a den nearby, so I’ll be keeping everyone safe and sound until I can supervise their outdoor adventures. Let’s hope the little rascal thinks twice about returning!