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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To help a mangy scrap of fox?

374 replies

HarrietKettleWasHere · 30/03/2017 23:46

I know I know, urban foxes get a lot of bad press. Yes they are naughty when they rip open bin bags and make a mess.

And yet, I think they are beautiful. We live in a block of flats (on the back of a big park) and around about Christmas time I noticed one sloping about at night. Actually we used to have a lot of mice/rats down where the rubbish room is so maybe he was attracted to that. He's beautiful- all rusty and bushy. I know it's a bit naughty but I started slipping him the odd bit of chicken or bit of ham. I would never want to get too close as he should be wary of humans would kill to stroke that gorgeous tail but he knows where I live and he will often trot by about 11pm to see if I'm at my window.

So a few nights ago he started bringing a little friend. I thought he looked a bit odd- like stumpy and mishapen and tonight I got a good look at him and he's all bald-patched and mangy Sad

Poor little scrap! And also it'll probably spread to my beautiful original fox as it's contagious. Can I help him? Are there mange tablets you can put in food? He comes every night pretty much so he would eat it. Would dog tablets work? Obviously I couldn't bathe him or give him drops totally would if I could

Please can I add the foxes are very respectful of the neighbours. They do all their shagging in the park and they can't get into the bins! There are a couple of cats here but they are totally unbothered by them.

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SuperManStoleMyPants · 14/04/2017 22:07

For all the fox and animal lovers check out bramblewood house, uk wildlife on facebook. Some lovely footage of Carrie and her cubs.

Persephone70 · 14/04/2017 22:49

I have absolutely loved reading this thread. I am often jibed at for my sensitivity to the plight of creatures - but, I can't help it!
These foxes needed a leg up and you, OP are providing it for them. I would really like to think that Russell saw ScrapFox in need and thought you were a safe option. [I am not completely nuts btw!] 😊

LoveMySituation · 15/04/2017 14:10

Nanas ArghGrin

LoveMySituation · 18/04/2017 12:16

How's scrap fox getting on Harriet? Btw, who is/ was Harriet kettle?!

HarrietKettleWasHere · 18/04/2017 23:47

I didn't see him for a night over Easter and got worried again Blush

But tonight he came bounding over to the window! They're eating lamb fat from Sunday roast and seem to be enjoying Grin

Scrap did something tonight I hadn't seen him so before- he ran off with bits of food, disappeared for a minute or two then was back to grab more and do the same. He used to just wolf it down where he stood! He's had a dose on a bit of jam tart tonight too. The original place I contacted sent me mange medicine over the weekend so I have plenty now. Must remember to send them a donation for it.

Harriet Kettle lived in a workhouse in Gressenhall, Norfolk. Apparently she was very naughty and they kept putting her in tiny a room by herself as punishment. She was only about 13 or so. When I went there on a school trip I saw her name and 'was here' scratched into one of the walls. Don't ask me why but the name stayed with me all these years!

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Pariswhenitdrizzles · 19/04/2017 00:04

OP so pleased to hear that the fox is doing well Smile

LoveMySituation · 25/04/2017 20:07

Interesting Harriet, it's strange how some things stay with you, almost like some part of you recognises it somehow, and there is an affinity, even though there can be many years in between. Or maybe just meGrin Is foxy still coming around?

Jessesbitch · 25/04/2017 20:21

The running off and coming back is probably him burying food for later. This can piss people off. Maybe cut back a bit?

Info here on pros/cons of feeding.

m.facebook.com/notes/the-fox-man/should-i-feed-foxes/1051489134983482/

TimeIhadaNameChange · 26/04/2017 09:16

There's a bit about Harriet here.

Glad the boys are ok. You do realise, with the treats you're feeding them, you'll have friends for life now. I fear holidays are a thing of the past!

PotOfYoghurt · 26/04/2017 09:22

How are your foxes?

LoveMySituation · 26/04/2017 15:49

Thanks for that TimeI, v interesting and good to know she had a happy ending

HarrietKettleWasHere · 27/04/2017 00:46

He never did bury stuff for later before, I thought maybe it was a sign he felt a bit better Grin

He's still coming! So is beautiful Russel. I really hope the medicine is making a difference to Scrap! It's a bit tricky as he really hasn't got as sweet a tooth as Russel so I'm putting the drops on a buttered cream-cracker at the moment Grin

I'm going away for a night over bank holiday with DP (he booked it as a surprise and told me yesterday) and the first thing I thought was the poor foxes will wonder where their supper is Grin

Poor DP.

OP posts:
HarrietKettleWasHere · 27/04/2017 09:13

Also thank you for the Harriet Kettle info Smile

OP posts:
DissonantInterval · 27/04/2017 09:21

Have loved reading this thread and people like you make the world a better place Harriet. Is there anyone who would be willing to feed 'the boys' when you're away? I'm sure there'd be lots of willing Fox Minders on here if no family or friends available :)

HarrietKettleWasHere · 27/04/2017 10:22

I'm on quite friendly terms with my elderly neighbour directly below...she has taken in my plants before now and I looked after her gorgeous budgie when she was in hospital...but I don't want her to recoil in horror at wild animals roaming underneath her window begging for morsels of food Grin

I will see if I can broach it to gauge if she's 'one of us' fox people!

OP posts:
DissonantInterval · 27/04/2017 14:49

Really hope your neighbour is Fox friendly :)

Reow · 27/04/2017 16:15

OP you could get one of those electronic cat feeders and set it so it pops open at dinner tine, and leave it below your window? Grin

LoveMySituation · 01/05/2017 13:10

Hope you're having a good time away OP and not missing foxes too muchGrin

LoveMySituation · 01/05/2017 13:11

How did the neighbour take to the idea of feeding them?

happypoobum · 01/05/2017 13:26

I have found my people!!

I am currently feeding a family of foxes who are living in/under one of my garden sheds.

It appears to be just mum and five cubs. I used to see the dog fox all the time but am worried he has been run over as no sign of him. Poor mum is run ragged with the cubs as they are maniacs

Feeding them raw chicken ( don't ever give them cooked meat with bones in) and bread soaked in gravy, plus nuts and other leftover scraps.

They come out to play around 20.20 when it's still light.

I absolutely love them!!!

AgentOprah · 01/05/2017 13:36

Are you treating it with medicine or homeopathy?

HarrietKettleWasHere · 04/05/2017 09:16

What do you mean AgentOprah?

I'm treating him with what the Fox Soceity sent me. It's what they give out for the kind of mange he has. (they do not charge for it so it's not a money-making enterprise!)

I didn't tell my neighbour in the end...I didn't want to risk word getting out about the two visiting foxes as I realise not everyone would take too kindly to it so I thought it better if I kept it slightly secret (I'm sure people will have seen them slinking about) it was only for one night but they were certainly eager to be fed on Monday! They were ready and waiting from about 10pm Grin

Anyway I came on to say I really do thing Scrap is looking slightly better. It's not so easy to see in the dark but the big bald patches across his back are not as obvious as they were when he first turned up (even cynical Dp has admitted) and he frequently used to stop and sit and scratch himself- I haven't seen him do that for about two weeks now.

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TimeIhadaNameChange · 04/05/2017 09:34

That's brilliant news! So glad he's improving. It must be so lovely having them come and visit every evening.

Wouldn't it be lovely if they turned out to be a mixed sex couple? You could have baby foxes visiting you next year!

ohfourfoxache · 04/05/2017 09:38

Oh that's fantastic! It's obviously working- well done op Thanks

StoatofDisarray · 04/05/2017 10:14

Delighted to hear that Scrap seems to be improving. This is my favourite thread on Mumsnet. Flowers to you, Harriet, you star!

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