Problem fox

[sunshine602]

Every day (at around the same time) I have a fox in my garden. It is limping badly (cannot put one foot down), it is itching / scratching / biting itself and it is not very mobile. It cannot jump over fences etc, it is not very healthy at all. Thing is, I want it dealing with. I have two small children and I want them to be able to play in the garden without the worry of the fox. I also don't want it getting too tame. The RSPCA were useless. They suggested I prodded it with a broom do determine how alert it is and said they would only catch it if it was unable to move. They also suggested I try to catch it myself by luring it into a shed or garage.

I cannot believe that they cannot come and put a trap or similar into my garden and deal with it that way.

Has anyone else got any ideas as to how I can get rid of this or who might come and catch it for me (without me having to pay).

Thanks!

[hank]

Try contacting the National Fox Welfare Society . here's the link...



NFWS Fox Rescue and Sarcoptic Mange Information Site-We also supply mange treatment for foxes suffering from Sarcoptic Mange known also as Canine Mange and Fox Mange, personalised merchandise including personalised iphone 4 and 4s phone cases

H.

[cara pace]

Hi sunshine602

What area do you live in? Somebody on here may be able to help, or provide you with a contact number of a rescue centre.

The link to NFWS is Fox Mange Treatment- Sarcoptic Mange- Canine Mange- Mangy Fox They may also be able to put you in touch with somebody near you.

[Kayleigh]

Let us know where you are..

Try contacting one of these for your area..
The Index of UK Animal Sanctuaries and Rescue Centres

I can not believe the RSPCA would not deal with this they are more concerned doing social calls on people who should not be allowed to own animals than doing something useful.

[Hedgehoggy]

Roughly what time of day does the fox turn up in your garden and how long does it spend there?

A lot of wildlife rescue centres operate 24/7 and would be only too willing to help rescue the fox and treat it for injuries/disease at their own expense, but please bear in mind wildlife centres depend entirely on public donations and volunteers to operate (they aren’t paid by the government, or any other sectors to take in and treat our wildlife), so they may not always have volunteers to hand on demand. If the fox comes into your garden at a set time of day that would certainly be of great help for a successful rescue.

Originally Posted by sunshine602

The RSPCA were useless. They also suggested I try to catch it myself by luring it into a shed or garage.

If the fox isn't very mobile as you've stated, this would be easy to achieve by placing a little food in your garage/shed and once the fox goes in to eat, promptly close the door behind it and call your nearest wildlife hospital straightaway. As already cited, if you let us know whereabouts in the UK you are, we may be able to give you contact details for your nearest rescue centre.

Lastly, what are your concerns with your children playing in your garden? As far as I’m aware humans can only catch mange from foxes (called scabies in humans) with prolonged skin contact, if those are your fears.

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by Hedgehoggy

Roughly what time of day does the fox turn up in your garden and how long does it spend there?

A lot of wildlife rescue centres operate 24/7 and would be only too willing to help rescue the fox and treat it for injuries/disease at their own expense, but please bear in mind wildlife centres depend entirely on public donations and volunteers to operate (they aren’t paid by the government, or any other sectors to take in and treat our wildlife), so they may not always have volunteers to hand on demand. If the fox comes into your garden at a set time of day that would certainly be of great help for a successful rescue.



If the fox isn't very mobile as you've stated, this would be easy to achieve by placing a little food in your garage/shed and once the fox goes in to eat, promptly close the door behind it and call your nearest wildlife hospital straightaway. As already cited, if you let us know whereabouts in the UK you are, we may be able to give you contact details for your nearest rescue centre.

Lastly, what are your concerns with your children playing in your garden? As far as I’m aware humans can only catch mange from foxes (called scabies in humans) with prolonged skin contact, if those are your fears.

I think the concern is a wild injured animal in the garden would not be a good idea to let kids in the garden if the animal cannot get out and could feel trapped.

[Hedgehoggy]

I'm a bit confuddled here! The OP states the fox is in her garden 'at around the same time' every day, which suggests it isn't there all the time, so must be gaining entry and exit somehow

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by Hedgehoggy

I'm a bit confuddled here! The OP states the fox is in her garden 'at around the same time' every day, which suggests it isn't there all the time, so must be gaining entry and exit somehow

I was just trying to speculate into why she would not want the children in the garden as I am not there we will have to wait for more info from the OP.

[Hedgehoggy]

Originally Posted by Kayleigh

I was just trying to speculate into why she would not want the children in the garden as I am not there we will have to wait for more info from the OP.

As was I

[cara pace]

I can't understand why the RSPCA think it's a good idea to prod a wild animal with a stick, especially a wild animal that is frightened,injured or ill.

If the fox is appearing during the day(and with the other symptoms suggested), it is likely to be in the advanced stages of mange and really needs treatment asap.