Tips on trapping a chicken-killing fox?

[Chew]

My brother-in-law lives right down the road here in Leon County. He's lost 3 chickens in the last month. He has an electric fence around the coop and also installed an automatic coop door yesterday. The fox is still paying a nightly visit. He caught him on cell cam early this morning walking around the fence.

I have a fairly large "bobcat" trap that shows to be 36x11x20. Do y'all think a fox would go in a box trap like that? If so, what bait would you use (don't say live chicken). Thanks for any input.

[GA Bowhunter]

Foot hold trap. $10-$20 online.

[Chew]

That would be tough due to his blue lacy running around and two barn cats.

[McClain]

That looks like a red fox. I have caught grey fox in a coon-size trap but have never caught a red fox in a live trap. However, I would think it would work as long as the fox has not been "trap educated" before. If the fox has been hanging around for a while and is used to picking up scraps, etc. around the residence, then you can probably bait with just about anything -- cat foot, bacon, peanut butter, etc. etc. Certainly foot hold traps and snares work also, but if there are pets around, that may not be an option. Good luck with the live trap!

[boy wonder]

Build a cage to attach to the back of your live trap, then place a live chicken in that cage.

[Calrob]

Hows he getting in the pen with the chickens?

[Devin]

If he has a way to lock up the barn cats for a night or two, I've seen where a Duke DP coon trap works on foxes.

[Chew]

Hows he getting in the pen with the chickens?

No idea. Possibly climbing a nearby tree and jumping in. Just a guess. My BIL may not be religiously turning the fence charger on. =)

[Sasqy]

Build a cage to attach to the back of your live trap, then place a live chicken in that cage.

Make sure, to cover chicken cage so can’t be seen, except through inside of trap. This forces them into the trap. Make sure that a coon can’t get his hands in the wire between the hold and chicken cage. They will ring it’s neck on the first night.

[Strummer]

I have a big live trap that had a secondary cage inside of it . I put a live chicken inside the secondary cage . I have caught 3 bobcats and a couple of foxes . I also use a cover scent . I can’t remember the name or brand but it’s a skunk scent . It’s. Orange gel .

[Mitchell8]

I’ve lost all my chickens after 3 years to foxes. I’m out of the chicken game. I tried to stay awake with a .22 but i only seen a fox once and it was at 5am when i didn’t have the gun. Building a predator proof enclosure is the only fix

[Fishndude]

Hows he getting in the pen with the chickens?

A fox can climb anything.

[Texas Grown]

I've caught grays using a 110 Conibear, fox marking scent, and fish, back when I was trapping for fur 45 years ago.

In your situation, this is going to be about your best bet. You can use quail, chickens, or any domestic poultry in it too. The thing about live traps is, you can always turn a dog or house cat loose should they be caught. That's much harder to do with leg holds (from experience), or body grippers.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/countyline-catch-and-release-live-animal-trap-58-in-x-17-in-x-26-in

[Hills of Texas]

Box trap with leftovers. Might take a couple days but you'll catch him

[Bilbo]

Have-a-heart live trap would do the trick likely on the first try. Table scraps or a cracked open can of sardines. Have caught a bobcat in one as well as foxes, skunks, coons, possum. Good luck!