parsnipbun
Wise Old Thumper
Please do NOT turn this thread into a 'I love/hate foxes thread' it is here for information!
Despite the current cold weather foxes have been doing their mating/territory calls for the last couple of weeks (in my area - they may be later further north). This means that the new cubs will be born anytime from end of Jan to mid-March. Once they are born the vixen will need to procure extra food and your rabbits will be at particular risk during this period.
Because of the cold weather food is likely to be short as many rats etc will have also suffered. Also foxes are coming out earlier in the evening as food is short.
PLEASE think ahead and prepare maximum security for your hutches and runs at this time of year. Providing food will not prevent the adults from also scavenging for your bunnies if they are not secure (and will merely mean that more foxes survive to breed next year and the problem will multiply and spread - but thats up to you to decide- my point is the security of your rabbits).
Precautions include bolts, secure aviary runs or sheds to put secure hutches inside, foxwatches, electric fencing, prickle strips on fencing etc etc.
PLEASE also note that foxwatches and other sonic devices that rely on sensors do NOT work well in frost or snow as the sensor becomes obscured - so bring them in and thaw them out during the day if you can. You may also need to brush snow off electric fencing and prickle strips to maintain effectiveness. Don't be caught out!!
You can also use any fresh snowfalls to try and track whether foxes are coming into your garden - or whether your deterrants are working!
Despite the current cold weather foxes have been doing their mating/territory calls for the last couple of weeks (in my area - they may be later further north). This means that the new cubs will be born anytime from end of Jan to mid-March. Once they are born the vixen will need to procure extra food and your rabbits will be at particular risk during this period.
Because of the cold weather food is likely to be short as many rats etc will have also suffered. Also foxes are coming out earlier in the evening as food is short.
PLEASE think ahead and prepare maximum security for your hutches and runs at this time of year. Providing food will not prevent the adults from also scavenging for your bunnies if they are not secure (and will merely mean that more foxes survive to breed next year and the problem will multiply and spread - but thats up to you to decide- my point is the security of your rabbits).
Precautions include bolts, secure aviary runs or sheds to put secure hutches inside, foxwatches, electric fencing, prickle strips on fencing etc etc.
PLEASE also note that foxwatches and other sonic devices that rely on sensors do NOT work well in frost or snow as the sensor becomes obscured - so bring them in and thaw them out during the day if you can. You may also need to brush snow off electric fencing and prickle strips to maintain effectiveness. Don't be caught out!!
You can also use any fresh snowfalls to try and track whether foxes are coming into your garden - or whether your deterrants are working!
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