Our two brave girls spent last night in the chicken tractor (dome) after some fox proofing modifications. They seemed quite reluctant making it quite clear they wanted to be put in hen house for the night. I attempted to reassure them that my plan was foolproof, but they weren't having a bar of it. I think my reputation has come to precede me.
The modifications I made was to first remove the difficult to access and cramped sleeping quarters, and replace it with a good quality single roosting post, up as high as possible while still giving plenty of headroom for four chickens. This change was made based a comment made by Jo Smith indicating her chooks have survived with this design. Possibly it’s the fact that it is quick and easy for the chickens to fly on and off, and having nothing for the fox to grip onto, that makes it work. This might be another case of simple is best.
The second modification was inspired by a suggestion made by Michelle. Above is picture of her dome, isn’t it cute? Really goes to show how small you can make these domes. Now in this dome safety by hight is clearly not going to work. Michelle’s solution was to build a wire skirt around the dome that runs outwards over the ground, making digging under a considerable effort.
Because we have a brick border and a path surrounding the front of the dome, and a fence that crosses the back, Michelle’s idea wasn’t going to be quite as easy using wire as it couldn’t go all around. For the past months, while this fox nightmare has been occurring, I have been barricading the hen house with paving stones and rocks. So it occurred to me I could achieve the similar function as Michelle’s design except with paving stones.
Thankfully, touch wood, the girls survived the night. Last time it took 5 days though.
How soft is the surrounding ground ie diggable for a determined fox?
ReplyDeleteFairly soft, but I am hoping it would take more than a single attempt of digging to get under. I would then notice the attempt and promptly fill it back in. However time will tell.
ReplyDeleteOh good luck! It must be horrifying to discover that a fox has been in :(
ReplyDeleteGood luck.
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed, Jason. I'm so sorry to hear you've had such a hard time with this. Is there a reason you don't want to put them in the hen house overnight? Are they less safe there?
ReplyDeleteThere are a number of reasons I don't want to have to put them in the hen house at night.
ReplyDelete1. It costs time.
2. If one of the girls decides to be difficult and does not want to come out of the dome, I have to go in there which usually means I get poo on me.
3. While I am carrying one into the house the others run off and reek havoc in the vegetable garden.
4. When I open the house door to put one in, one jumps out.
5. It prohibits us from going away for a few days.
It's currently not too bad with just two chickens, but 4, I dread.
Yep, all really sound reasons too. I hope it works this time...fingers crossed for you..
DeleteGlad this seems to be working.
ReplyDeleteHi Jason, sorry for not getting back to you earlier. I've been away without the Internet! The perch in my dome is just over 1100mm from the ground. I'll take some photos and will upload to Flickr. I have my fingers crossed for you and the girls.
ReplyDeleteLoved reading this thannk you
ReplyDelete