Fox Pups parents killed

[Foxpups]

hello, new to all this so, please bear with me . I have just scraped a mother fox off of the road this morning. She has left a litter for 5 pups under next doors decking, they are just starting to totter around.
I am aware of the damage foxes do (in mine and my neighbour’s gardens, to elderly cats etc) but, my question is both a moral and practical one.
Do I start feeding these pups? And if so, what do I give them as they are not yet weaned? Your help, advice and thoughts appreciated.

[mrbright]

i would suggest contacting your local wildlife rescue centre.

[posie]

Your local Vet should be able to give you the contact nos for your local wildlife centre, who would sort it out. Or the RSPCA would also give you this information. Or you could find out on Google......Posie..P.S. Where are you, approximately?

[valleyforge]

Welcome to WAB, Foxpups.

First of all we should ascertain if you are quite certain that it was the mother of these 'pups' that was killed.

Quite often an unmated vixen (either one of last years cubs, or a sibling of the parent vixen) may take on the role of 'aunt' and assist the mother by fetching food during the immediate post-natal period.

If it was the mother and she had not yet weaned her cubs, then there would be some evidence of milk leaking from her teats following the accident.

It's vital not to disturb the cubs until you can be sure the mother is dead.

Thereafter, it would be best to call in a wildlife rescue group, although the RSPCA/Scottish SPCA/USPCA may be prepared to respond in the circumstances. Hand-rearing five fox cubs, I can assure you, is not a task to be taken on lightly, or single-handedly, if at all possible.

As posie has suggested, let us know your general whereabouts and we'll try to assist with some appropriate details of whom to contact in your area.

[Foxpups]

Thank mrbright, posie and valleyforge for your advice.
No, not 100% sure if it was their Mum, haven't seen them all day but, it is drizzling here in Bromley, Kent. Will keep an eye out to see what goes on. I know my neighbour has fed the parents so will go ask him if he has seen any activity. Will see if any other willing foxs fill the breech.
We have a vet at the top of the road. Not sure my rescued Lab would be happy with me hand rearing pups and I do like my sleep! Will do a google search on local wildlife rescue centres in the mean time.
Thank you all once again, it has put my mind at ease now that I have an idea on how to proceed.

[JV]

Hello
I would call the RSPCA.
Thet would come and pick them up.
But before that i would leave the pups alone. Keep an eye on them and make sure nothing gets them.
I think the dads help however...

[posie]

Also, if orphan fox cubs are to be reared, it MUST be with a view to releasing them into the wild when they are able to cope. This cannot be done from a 'domestic' or 'pet' upbringing. The Fox Sanctuaries and Rehabilitation centres have things set up so the foxes are fed and nurtured without any actual human contact, or at least as little as possible, for obvious reasons. Cubs that have only just started crawling around will need warmth when the temperature drops at night, usually supplied by the mother.

As Valleyforge has said, if and when you are sure it was the mother that was killed, the obvious way to go is a Wildlife sanctuary...
Posie

Sorry, was interrupted when writing this post so hadn't seen previous 2 posts.

[posie]

National Fox Welfare Society.....01933 411996......give them a ring they will sort it out for you either way, either with advice, or put you in touch with local sanctuary if needed.....(they are in Northants but will be more than pleased to help you or point you in the right direction,if needed. The will also provide free medication for mange to put in adult fox's food, if it's needed)...Posie..

[valleyforge]

Foxpups,

The Fox Project is a charity operating out of Pembury in Kent.

Perhaps you could try contacting them on 07778 909092 to at least alert them to your situation there, should a rescue be needed?

Best of luck, and please keep us posted.

[conisag]

If worst came to worst i will offer my home as a place they can be safe until a rescue centre can take them in.