Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Pet Fox Enclosures: Fencing

As a small forward, sorry for this post being so late. We're in the middle of a major move, and I haven't had time to update.

After you have the location and flooring decided, the next major component of a fox enclosure are the walls. Any material that is safe and strong enough to keep the fox in (and curious or malicious strangers out) will do, though some work better than others. The enclosure should also be tall enough for you to enter and exit easily.

One of the best enclosure wall designs are large, bolted-together panels. They're strong, made of fox-safe material, weather-resistant, and very easy for one person to take apart and re-assemble. Due to their modular design, it's very easy to move or alter your enclosure if you need to. The same panels can be used for flooring under a layer of mulch, and for an escape-proof roof. This is what I made both Gizmo's indoor play-pen and outdoor play-yard out of, and I have never had an escape or injury.

One such kennel set can be purchased here. Please note that if you do go this route, you will need to buy several of the sets to make an enclosure big enough. Also keep in mind that the roof that comes with the kennel set is not sufficient to keep a fox enclosed. To create a minimum 10' by 10' enclosure for one fox, using panels for both flooring and roofing, you will need to purchase 3 sets.

Another alternative is to use chain link fencing for an enclosure perimeter. This is a cheaper option, though they are generally less portable and more difficult to construct, so keep that in mind. They do manufacture chain link 'dog kennel' sets similar to the metal panels I described above, but buyer beware. Some sets come with rounded doors on them as opposed to squared-off ones. Your fox may try to escape through this "corner" and get caught--I know of at least one dog who suffocated this way. If you do go with chain link, find a set with a door that closes flush with it's frame.

I would advise against using wood to build fox enclosure walls. To be safe for the fox (they chew everything), the wood would have to be untreated, and untreated wood for an outdoor enclosure would have a relatively short lifespan. Once it starts to weaken and rot, it becomes both and escape and a splinter hazard.

12 comments:

  1. *foreword

    I find this blog fascinating. And you've convinced me beyond any shadow of doubt never to own a fox as a pet. Thanks!

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  2. Thank you very much for your amazing, unique blog!

    But i think (and, i suppose, many other readers too), that it would be very nice, if you will post some illustrating video. For example, how Gizmo plays, his body language etc. Sometimes posts so dim and so hard for understanding without such addition.

    :)

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  3. Oh and Gizmo's enclosure looks great :)

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  4. Hey there. :) I came across your blog rather suddenly, and after just a few posts I was hooked. After an insomniac last night, and a half hour today, I'd read the whole thing, back to square one. (I realize now I should have read from first to most recent, but it's relatively easy to follow backwards so I just went with it.) I really enjoy your writing, and am already in love with little Gizmo, even though I'm a state away. Anyways, I just wanted to drop a note, let you know you've gained an avid reader, and that I've suddenly grown quite fond of the idea of a pet fox when I'm a bit older. So, thanks. Give Gizmo a kiss for me. <3

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  5. Could you maby update this page to include daily habits and the usual amount of time you spend with him? also the enclosure looks a bit pricey.... to spend a few thousand on the enclosure seems a bit rediculous.... i am fairly certain i could make a similar build for much less... Could i scrap together a good looking safe enclosure myself?

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    Replies
    1. I'm a fellow fox owner, and honestly, spending a few grand on an enclosure is pretty standard. If you're too cheap to make a good enclosure, you have no business buying a fox.

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    2. I'm a fox owner too. The cheapest I could get away with was $1000--but the enclosure is currently on cement. So when I move it outside, it's going to probably wind up being around over $1500. I use standard chain link panels. This was all just the cost for the chain link. It does not include the cost for his dog-house, his platforms to jump on, or anything else in there.

      If you don't own a fox or other exotic, this amount of money does seem pricey. But it actually is pretty cheap compared to other exotics.

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    3. I am a little late, but by the time you spend the money on putting down cement and putting earth over it, or wire under the ground you've already spent quite a bit, Red's are diggers (Experience...) and they do jump, but I hear grey's are the big jumpers. I suggest saving up for one if your convinced about a fox, but keep in mind money for emergency too...

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    4. Wait... you can use chain link fence for foxes???

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  6. Do you have any photos of your indoor enclosure? When does he use it?

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  7. I've had an idea for a house I've wanted to build and will build when I get the chance. And I'll tell you what this has to do with fox enclosures in a minute.

    The home I was thinking of is a sukiya-zukuri (The Japanese style that has the sliding doors and hallways on the outside) styled home with an "indoor" garden. I say indoor because the garden is surrounded by walls on all sides with no roof. If this garden were large enough, and had all the proper fox needs, and a roof (maybe chainlink, chicken-wire, for even glass?) would it be an ideal place for a fox? If not, I'll just get the items listed in this article, after I do much needed research to make sure if I still want a fox.

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  8. What are you toy slides called... Im trying to find those kind for my fox, and i cant find them.

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