We started raising chickens 2 years ago. I had in my head that they could just free range all day and everyday. I quickly came to the realization that just isn’t feasible. My first attack by a fox, I lost 2 roosters and 3 hens. It was a very sad day. From there on out, I would only do supervised free range. Well, as time passed I got slack and started venturing back to the house and leaving them unattended. After, the first attack, our homestead hound, Annabelle became more in tune to their distress calls. She and the rooster, Waylon saved the day on the next visit from Mr. Fox. Waylon lead the fox away from the coop and towards the house. Where is your camera when you need it? It was a sight to see a huge rooster running full speed down the driveway with a fox in tow. By the time the fox caught up to him, Annabelle was there to save him. The fox quickly released Waylon and Annabelle made chase. Waylon was fine. He was a little shook up but back to himself the next day and no hens were harmed. Well over a year had passed and no attacks. I had resumed free ranging between noon and six o’clock. Well, the accident free zone ended yesterday. Annabelle was outside and quickly sprinted to the coop when the screaming started. By the time I was half there, Annabelle was in hot pursuit of Mr. Fox. Unfortunately, Miss Fancy was not left unscathed. Her tail was gone. She had puncture wounds in her back and was in shock. I brought her in the house and cleaned her up. I really thought she would be ok, but she passed and hour later. Unfortunately, if you are going to free range chickens, you have to accept losses. In the grand scheme of things, one loss in over a year is not bad.
Homesteading in the Hills 