The Fox Family and the Hen House

Most people assume a fox living beside a chicken coop is a disaster waiting to happen. 

After all, foxes and hens have been cast as natural enemies for generations. But what happens when a fox quietly takes up residence and the expected chaos never arrives? The story of a fox and a henhouse isn't always one of conflict. Sometimes, it's a lesson in coexistence, curiosity, and the surprising balance that exists in nature when we take the time to observe and allow. It is a delicate harmony that can exist between wildlife and the places we call home.

What most do not realize, is that the fox mom is looking for a safe home to start her family. 

As more land is transformed into managed landscapes, there are less places for nature creatures to seek refuge. To just be. To exist and to thrive. Sadly, there is a mindset that the threat of wildlife on the land results in taking that life without regard. Sure, it is somewhat of a threat. But, since when did things get to the point that the belief that every wild animal must be eliminated simply because it exists nearby?  More of that mindset has become the normal, to where we are without understanding even eliminating nature’s medicine cabinet. When our first response is to eradicate rather than understand, we risk disrupting the delicate balance of entire ecosystems.  The animals we fear, the plants we call weeds, and the medicinal herbs we overlook all play a role in supporting biodiversity, pollinators, soil health, and the interconnected web of life. 

By taking extra precautions, such as securing a chicken coop with adding a second layer of heavy gauge wiring and lighting to mitigate threats within our control. That is when you can have foxes living right beside a chicken coop. Confidence through observation that the environment will be successful for both.  For years, we have solar predator lights around the chicken coop which have worked great, until this year. How solar predator lights work, is that they are two red flashing lights that mimic the eyes of larger and night predators.  What I didn’t realize is that they may have failed, but they work in a different way which was to protect the fox and her six beautiful kits from other predators. 

Observation is one of the most valuable tools for living cohesively with wildlife. By paying attention to animal behavior, seasonal patterns, and the rhythms of the natural world, we can better understand how to share space in ways that benefit both humans and wildlife. Observation replaces assumptions with knowledge. Fear with understanding. This is how we have two large dogs, a fox family, chickens in the run all living cohesively, respectfully and in harmony together. 

We noticed that over a period of time the mom fox would move the kits which she did to a nearby culvert. We believe that due to the threat of nearby predators like coyotes, she has moved them back in the safety of our space. Sadly, there are four kits from the original six left.  

In the early mornings, we observe her time with the kits. They are so happy to be with their mom, playful and care free. The connection between mom and her kits is one of love and deep adoration.  In the evenings, we have observed her sitting by herself and take a moment watching the sunset. Perhaps getting some much-needed peaceful time after being away for most of the day hunting for food on a consistent basis. 

This has been an amazing and honoring experience. We were able to keep close observation while keeping respectful distance with the use of security cameras. It is unbelievable when you have a fox family in the camera view and behind them are chickens roaming around in the run. The foxes do not care at all what the chickens are doing. They are there because it is a safe place to be which happens to be on five acres of land, surrounded by thousands of acres of cultivated land.  

Our journey started when we moved from city life to country life five years ago. When we arrived, the land was very disrespected. In our first year we hauled 60 cubic yards of garbage off the land. There were no birds, wildlife or signs of life. With love and respect of the land. With care and determination. By revitalizing and with conservation efforts. We now have hundreds of species of birds that nest. Wildlife including species at risk that seek refuge on our five acres. Rooted in nature and committed to preservation. Our connection to the earth runs deep. Respect for the land, we advocate for responsible land stewardship, conservation and the protection of wild habitats. The importance of land stewardship is a responsibility for us all that walk the earth. 

Stay tuned for our documented video journey with the Fox Family. 

Much love,  Resha & Tim

Humble Life Acres