How to Make an Effective Fox Deterrent
How to Make an Effective Fox Deterrent
How to Make an Effective Fox Deterrent
Recently we needed a good recipe for an effective fox deterrent. We have 6 young chickens that would love to range around the yard. As a cautious flock owner, I realize now I cannot always watch the chickens. Overall, I appreciate that fox are all an important part of an eco system that keeps other critters in check (such as mice), but I’d rather they didn’t eat my chickens!
It was a nice summer day as I let the chickens out to get some nutrients from the sunlight and the bugs in the yard. Before I could even pay attention, a young fox was chasing after my rooster! All I could do was run at the fox and chase him away. What if I wasn’t there? It is very possible my rooster would not be with us today and I would not have help protecting the hens. Therefore, I needed to come up with a way to at least deter these foxes away from my house.
Is it Always a Good Idea to Keep Fox Away?
There is one down side to keeping the fox away. Unfortunately, the mice will be happy. Possibly other critters who are potentially dangerous to your pets or your flock may still be an important part of the environment eco system as God created. Keep that in mind as you think about keeping some of these (sometimes beneficial) predators away.
On this particular day, I had the chickens out for a morning range. In general, I keep them pretty close and do not let them range all day. I wish I could let them run around all the time, as it would give my chickens optimal nutrition. Loose chickens can be a target for hawks, predators such as fox or coyote, or even the neighbor’s dog. Any one of them can pick off your chickens super quick.
Here is one recipe we used to try to create an atmosphere that foxes didn’t want to be a part of. So far, the fox seem to stay away. If you use this recipe, you may need to reapply after heavy rains, or as the human hair loses it scent.
Ingredients for an Effective Fox Deterrent
These ingredients are probably a little more available toward the end of summer when you have plenty of fresh herbs.
6-7 cups of water
1 c of fresh basil
4 cloves of garlic
handful (maybe a cup) of fresh sage
few heads of geraniums
a good size spray bottle that you’ll not want to use for anything else
maybe a teaspoon of cayenne (the reason I say maybe, is because while this is cooking it can be strong…so cayenne may be optional)
as much human hair as you can find (ask your hairdresser to keep some for you!)
Instructions
1. Put all ingredients above (except spray bottle and human hair) into a pot with a cover. You’ll want to not only cover the pot, but also open a window or two near the area where you are cooking this. Yes, it’s pretty strong…especially the cayenne.
2. Allow ingredients to cool. Run through a course filter or strainer. Cheesecloth works well also.
3. Pour liquid into spray bottle.
4. Walk around the perimeter of your yard and spray the mixture. Leave a clump of human hair around the same areas that you spray.
That’s it! I cannot guarantee this mixture works. However, it just seems to have worked pretty well for us and we had fox dens on the edge of our yard (only a mile and a half away).
Please share your experiences!
Most ingredients above are fresh, but here are some alternative ingredients or spray bottles:
Metal Bottle ideal for cleaning supplies
Baking soda (this one is aluminum free if you also use it in your food)
Other related shopping items
20 Mule Team Borax, Natural Laundry Booster
Dr. Bronner’s Castile Magic Soap, finely shredded (I love citrus; this is a for a variety pack)
Grow from seed any plants to feed the chickens!
A great resource for leaning about chickens and all other aspects of homestead living!
Heated water bucket for norther winters!
Would love to hear what you think of this recipe!
Some links are affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See more info here.
Overall, I appreciate that fox are all an important part of an eco system that keeps other critters in check (such as mice), but I'd rather they didn't eat my chickens!