Would a fox eat a ferret?

Pigeon feather · #1 (**permalink**) 12-06-2007, 10:37 PM

I've heard of foxes breaking into hutches to take rabbits but has anyone heard of foxes doing the same with ferrets? or do they find them unappealing due to their musty smell? The reason why I ask is because I have recently moved to a property 4 months ago where there are a few foxes in the area, my ferret lives outdoors in a sturdy hutch with strong mesh, alot thicker and stronger than chicken wire, I think it would be highly unlikely a fox could break through this and so far she has been fine. During the day she is placed in a run on the grass, the wire is alot weaker on the run, similar to thin aviary mesh, the other night she was left out in the run, although my partner did see a fox very close to the run, there was no evidence it had made any attempt to break into it. Would it be safe to leave her in the run overnight?

mallain · #2 (**permalink**) 13-06-2007, 10:23 AM

My initial thought would be, if they were hungry it is quite likely.
I was woken up very early one morning by a terrible noise, when looking out I saw a fox running down the road after a cat. Unfortunately it managed to catch the cat, It is quite suprising how fast a fox can run and the types of prey they catch!

Pigeon feather · #3 (**permalink**) 13-06-2007, 11:15 AM

Thanks Mallain, I think it's best I play it safe and keep her in the more sturdy hutch overnight! Having worked for the RSPCA for 7 years I had heard reports of foxes attacking and killing cats and indeed I have seen a cat reported to have been injured by a fox, ( only the one I might add, so it's not very common! ) though it wasn't that badly hurt, just a bit shaken, it was old though. I have heard foxes will only attack and kill old or ill cats that are unable to get out of the way quick enough and then they only do it if they are hungry and desperate enough! bearing in mind cats can scratch and bite pretty hard and often put up a good enough fight to see off even the most determined fox! Saying that my ferret is old and blind and would be completely helpless against a fox should it show an interest

Vixen · #4 (**permalink**) 19-06-2007, 11:40 AM

I'd say it is posable, but I think a ferret would put up a good fight though.

I have 4 ferrets myself and never realy thought about this subject before. If your realy worryed maybe you could bring your jill in at night.

MalcolmX · #5 (**permalink**) 19-06-2007, 12:50 PM

as most ferrets that i have owned can see off an Alsatian i am sure they are safe from foxes ,it is very unusual for a fox to attack an animal not generally found in the environment. i have only seen foxes take dead squirrels and i have never seen them attack live cats of adult size

kalt94 · #6 (**permalink**) 23-06-2010, 01:07 AM

hi i have 3 ferrets and 7 kits and since the kits have been born a fox has started to hang around my garden then tonight it was attacking the cage with the kits in but luckerly it never got through.
what shall i do about this.

Pigeon feather · #7 (**permalink**) 23-06-2010, 07:55 AM

Hi, if the hutch is sturdy and well made I think it is unlikely the fox would get the kits, how is the hutch locked? is it by a bolt or those twist catches? if it's the latter I would be inclined to bolt it, also what type of mesh does it have? as long as it is not chicken wire on the front as I know foxes can chew through this, if you have any way of moving the hutch into a building such as a garage or shed and locking it securely they will be safer still, my old girl ferret has since died since the initial post was made

not from a fox though just old age, best of luck with your kits they are lovely critters

kalt94 · #8 (**permalink**) 23-06-2010, 11:10 AM

the hutch is very sturdy and it has a metal bars on the front of it which are quite big with chicken mess in front because of the babies could get through the holes. i was thinking of moving it in to the garage.im sorry for the loss of your ferret.

thanks

mnogueira · #9 (**permalink**) 05-08-2010, 03:45 PM

Hi everyone,
Came across this section and had to register just to post a reply! Basically I have 2 Ferrets a year old. they live inside and I often put them with a lead out in the garden. Last night, one of them got out of the lead and dissapeared. It was getting dark when i noticed it and myself with a few neighbours went out looking for him. As we was looking we heard a loud ferret scream coming from afar and putting 1 and 1 together I am pretty certain that the Fox got to him. The sound came from the direction of where they normally have a Den, and since the fox hounting ban, they have been becoming more adventurous. We have seen along the back service round to our homes 2 foxes with around 5-6 cubs. Id like to think that he didnt get attacked by a fox and that he has been taken in by someone, but I dont feel to confident that he made it.

I havent found him since