How to Stop Foxes Killing Your Chickens (UK Guide)
If you keep hens in the UK, you already know the feeling: you pop out one evening and the coop is quiet for the wrong reasons. Foxes are the most common predator of backyard chickens here, and they are clever, patient and opportunistic. The good news is that most losses are preventable with a few simple habits.
Why foxes are so hard to keep out
Foxes are active at dusk, at night and around dawn, which are exactly the times your hens are most vulnerable. They will test fences, dig under runs and squeeze through surprisingly small gaps. Badgers, rats and mink can be a problem too, depending on where you live.
1. Secure the coop and run
- Use welded mesh rather than chicken wire. Chicken wire keeps chickens in but does not keep predators out.
- Bury mesh or add a skirt around the base of the run so foxes cannot dig underneath.
- Check latches. Foxes and other predators can work out simple bolts, so use secure, two-step fastenings.
- Inspect the coop regularly for gaps, rot and loose panels.
2. Shut the hens in every single night
This is the most important habit, and also the hardest to keep up. Miss one evening because of a late meeting, a trip or bad weather, and that is often when a fox strikes. Winter makes it worse: after the clocks go back, it can be dark by around 4pm.
Many keepers also struggle with the early morning. Letting the hens out at first light, seven days a week, gets old quickly.
3. Consider an automatic chicken door
An automatic door removes the human-error problem. A light sensor opens it in the morning and closes it at dusk, so your hens are shut in even if you are not home.
The CoopGate automatic chicken coop door is one option. According to the manufacturer's specification, it:
- opens and closes using built-in day and night sensors
- runs on a single battery that lasts around 4–6 months
- works in a wide temperature range (-26°C to 60°C)
- has pre-made screw holes for installation in around 10 minutes
- uses a powder-coated build designed for outdoor use
An automatic door is not a substitute for a strong coop and run. Think of it as a reliable lock that never forgets.
4. Do a headcount before the door closes
Whatever door you use, make it a habit to check that all your hens are inside at dusk, especially with young birds or hens that like to roost in odd places. Watching the door close once or twice after installing it is a good idea, so you know everything is working as it should.
5. Keep food and waste under control
Leftover feed attracts rats, which in turn attract foxes. Store feed in sealed metal bins, clear spilled grain and avoid leaving food out overnight.
6. Stay up to date with bird flu rules
In some winters, the UK has introduced housing measures for poultry because of avian influenza. Check the latest requirements on the GOV.UK bird flu guidance before winter, and make sure your coop and run are ready.
Quick checklist
- Welded mesh on the run, with a dug-in or skirted base
- Secure latches on every door and hatch
- Hens shut in every night, automatically if possible
- Feed stored in sealed containers
- Regular checks for gaps and damage
Looking for more items for your flock and garden? Browse our Pet Parents collection or take a look at the full ZORSTO range.
Want to stop worrying about shutting up at dusk? Take a look at the [CoopGate automatic chicken door](https://zorsto.com/products/coopgates).