Pest Control, Traps & Deterrents -
Protecting the Poultry Flock by
Katie Thear
Other Deterrents
Making sure that the hens are in their house and locked up at night
is obviously common sense. Flimsy door catches on a house in an unprotected
area present no great challenge to a determined fox. There are electronic
pop-hole closers available that will do the job for you, if for some
reason you are not there to do it. These work well, but are no defence
where a fox appears while it is still light, as is increasingly the
case.
Hunt supporters used to claim that the hunt was an effective fox
control and deterrent, but most poultry keepers know from experience
that this is not true. If it were, commercial free-range enterprises
would not need to invest capital in order to erect electrified fencing.
They are also aware of the welfare requirements that state: “Precautions
should be taken to protect the birds against foxes, other predators,
dogs and cats.” (Ref: Codes of Recommendations for the Welfare
of Livestock: Domestic Fowls. DEFRA Publications).
It is worth remembering that every poultry keeper has an individual
responsibility to protect a flock, whether large or small.
Humane fox traps are available. These are large, baited cages that
the animal enters and cannot get out of again. The trap needs to
be placed on a pathway known to be frequented by the animal. It also
needs to be well camouflaged for the fox is highly intelligent. If
it is caught, there is the question of what to do with the captured
animal. The most humane method of despatching it in this case is
with a 12-bore shotgun, as long as the owner holds a valid firearms
certificate. There are those offering humane trapping and despatching
services in most rural areas.
It is worth remembering that every poultry
keeper has an individual responsibility to protect a flock, whether
large or small.
An ordinary flashing light can be a deterrent as long as its position
is moved fairly frequently. Once the fox gets used to it, it is no
longer frightened away. Such units are available for use with electric
fencing, or they can be incorporated into a normal fence.
Chemical deterrents are available that act as a repellent when
used along boundaries. Renardine, for example can be mixed with sand
and strewn along the perimeter. The treatment needs to be renewed
weekly or after heavy rain. A family dog may keep a fox away, while
lion or tiger dung from the nearest zoo, placed along boundaries,
is said to be effective. Llama keepers are united in the view that
llamas will drive off foxes.
Protecting The Poultry Flock - by Katie Thear
See Also
Article Copyright © Katie Thear 2006 |
