Many of our wire mesh products can be used to deter foxes from your property.
Chicken wire works well. The smaller the hole and the thicker the wire the better.
Green wire fencing can be used to block foxes, but it may not be strong enough to prevent them from digging under the fence or jumping over it, especially if the fence is low. To effectively block foxes, a sturdy fence with a minimum height of 6 feet and a buried barrier at least 12 inches deep should be considered.
What Do Foxes Want?
Foxes are opportunistic animals, and their wants and needs can vary depending on the environment and their individual circumstances. However, some of the basic things that foxes need to survive include:
- Food: Foxes are omnivores and eat a variety of food, including small mammals, birds, insects, fruits, and vegetables. They also scavenge for food when they can.
- Water: Foxes need access to fresh water to drink.
- Shelter: Foxes need somewhere safe to rest and hide from predators. They will often make dens in burrows, rock crevices, or dense underbrush.
- Territory: Foxes typically have a home range where they hunt and forage for food. They will defend their territory from other foxes.
- Breeding: Foxes breed once a year, usually in December to February, but some breeds may breed at different times. They will look for a mate during this time.
Foxes are adaptable and can survive in a wide range of environments, so their specific wants and needs will vary depending on where they live.
Foxes are known to attack and kill chickens, especially if the chickens are kept in an unprotected or poorly secured coop or pen. Foxes are opportunistic predators and will take advantage of easy prey, such as chickens, if given the opportunity. Foxes are also able to dig under fences or jump over low barriers to gain access to chicken coops. To protect chickens from foxes, it’s important to have a secure coop and pen with a sturdy fence buried underground to prevent digging, and also to have a roof on the coop to prevent jumping. It’s also important to not leave chickens outside overnight, as foxes are more active during the night.
Can Mesh Fencing Help?
Fox mesh can be an effective way to protect chickens from foxes, but it is not the only option. Fox mesh is a type of wire mesh that is specifically designed to keep foxes out of an area, and it can be used to secure the perimeter of a chicken coop or pen. However, there are other methods that can also be used to protect chicken runs from foxes, such as:
- Building a secure coop and pen: A well-built coop and pen with a sturdy roof and walls, and a secure door that can be locked at night, can help to keep foxes out. The coop and pen should also have a fence buried underground to prevent digging.
- Electric fencing: Electric fencing can be used to create an additional barrier around the coop and pen. Foxes will typically avoid the electric fencing because of the shocks.
- Motion-activated lights: Foxes are primarily nocturnal animals, and they may be deterred by bright lights that are activated by motion.
- Guard animals: Animals such as dogs or llamas can be used to protect chickens from foxes, as they will deter foxes from approaching the coop or pen.
It’s important to remember that foxes are very adaptable animals and they can find ways to overcome many obstacles, so it’s important to use multiple methods to protect chickens.
Can I Cut It?
Cutting fox proof mesh can be challenging, as the wire is typically made from strong and durable materials such as galvanized steel or stainless steel. The best way to cut it would be to use heavy-duty cutting tools such as bolt cutters, wire cutters, or wire snips. These tools are specifically designed to cut through thick wire and can make the cutting process much easier.
It’s important to take safety precautions when cutting fox proof mesh, as the sharp edges of the wire can cause injury. Always wear gloves and protective goggles, and be mindful of your surroundings to avoid accidentally cutting yourself or others.
If you’re cutting a large section of fox proof mesh, it’s often more efficient to use a power tool such as a metal cutting saw or grinder. These tools can make quick work of cutting through the wire, but they can be dangerous if not used properly.
It’s also important to note that cutting the mesh will compromise its strength and integrity, and might not be as effective in keeping foxes out after cutting it. It’s better to plan ahead and buy the right size of mesh for your needs.
How Do I Install It?
Installing fox proof wire mesh to keep foxes out of a specific area can be done in a few simple steps:
- Measure the area you want to protect: Measure the length and width of the area you want to protect, including any corners or curves. This will help you determine how much fox proof mesh you will need.
- Cut the mesh to size: Use heavy-duty cutting tools such as bolt cutters, wire cutters, or wire snips to cut the fox proof mesh to the appropriate size. Make sure to wear gloves and protective goggles to protect yourself from sharp edges.
- Install supports: If you’re using the mesh as a barrier or fence, install posts or other supports to hold the mesh in place. The supports should be strong enough to withstand the weight of the mesh and any pressure that might be exerted against it.
- Attach the mesh: Use wire, zip ties, or other fasteners to attach the mesh to the supports. Be sure to secure the mesh tightly so that it won’t sag or move around.
- Check for gaps: Inspect the mesh to make sure there are no gaps or holes that foxes could slip through. If you find any gaps, fill them in with additional mesh or another suitable material.
- Maintain the barrier: Foxes are persistent, so it’s important to check the mesh periodically and make repairs as needed to ensure it remains effective.
It’s important to keep in mind that fox proof fencing is not a one-size-fits-all solution and it might not be effective in all cases, depending on the specific location and the type of foxes. Consult with wildlife expert or animal control specialist for more specific and effective solution for the area you want to protect.
How Long Will It Last?
The lifespan of fox proof chicken wire mesh depends on a variety of factors, including the quality of the mesh, the type of environment it is in, and how well it is maintained. In general, high-quality fox proof mesh can last for several years, but it may need to be replaced sooner if it becomes damaged or worn. To ensure that the mesh lasts as long as possible, it should be properly installed and maintained, such as checking for holes or damage and repairing or replacing it as necessary.
As always, thank you for checking out our blog. We hope that this helps you with your project.
Our goal for our blogs and help guides is to answer as many questions as possible to help to explain the possibilities of mesh to our customers. Contact our team today if you have any questions at all. We are always really keen to help in any way that we can.