Foxes can squeeze through gaps as small as 4 inches, thanks to their slim bodies and flexible skeletons. This ability makes even small openings in fences, sheds, or coops a potential entry point if not properly secured.
Foxes are clever and determined animals that often find their way into yards, coops, and sheds in search of food or shelter. Knowing just how small a gap they can squeeze through is key to protecting pets, poultry, and property from an unexpected visit.
How Small a Gap Can a Fox Get Through?
Foxes can squeeze through surprisingly small openings, with some able to fit through gaps as narrow as 4 inches. Their slim bodies, flexible ribs, and ability to flatten themselves allow them to maneuver into spaces that seem impossible at first glance. This makes small gaps in fences, gates, or under sheds easy targets for a determined fox.
Because of this ability, homeowners and farmers should never underestimate the risk of small openings. A fox doesn’t need a wide path to slip through—just enough room for its head and shoulders, since the rest of its body can follow. Even a small gap around a coop door or fence line can quickly turn into an access point if left unsealed.
Why Are Foxes So Good at Squeezing Through Gaps?
Foxes are built for agility, with long, slender bodies and flexible skeletons that allow them to bend and twist through tight spaces. Their natural hunting instincts push them to explore every possible opening when searching for food, making even small gaps around coops or sheds tempting opportunities. Like cats, if a fox can fit its head through an opening, chances are the rest of its body can follow.
In addition to their physical build, foxes are intelligent problem-solvers. They test weak spots in barriers, learn from experience, and adapt their approach when faced with obstacles. This combination of agility and cunning makes them particularly skilled at exploiting small gaps that many people overlook.
Can a Fox Dig Under Fences Instead of Squeezing Through?
If a gap isn’t available, foxes will often try to dig their way under a barrier to reach food or shelter. Their sharp claws and persistence make them excellent diggers, and even a well-built fence can be compromised if the base isn’t secured properly. This behavior is especially common around chicken coops, where the scent of poultry is a strong motivator.
To prevent digging, experts recommend burying fencing material at least 12 inches underground or bending wire mesh outward in an L-shape along the ground. This creates a physical barrier that makes tunneling far more difficult. Taking these extra steps ensures your fence is secure against both squeezing and digging attempts.
What Types of Fences Keep Foxes Out?
To keep foxes away, fences need to be both tall and sturdy. A height of at least 5 to 6 feet is recommended, since foxes are capable jumpers and can clear shorter barriers with ease. Using small-gauge mesh or welded wire makes it difficult for them to squeeze through or chew open weak spots.
Equally important is securing the base of the fence. Burying the mesh at least a foot underground or installing an outward-facing barrier prevents foxes from digging underneath. Reinforced gates and tight-fitting latches add extra protection, ensuring there are no easy entry points for a determined fox.
Can Foxes Get Through Chicken Wire?
Standard chicken wire is not strong enough to keep out foxes, even though it’s commonly used around coops. Foxes can chew, bend, or push through the thin wire, making it unreliable as a long-term barrier. While it might keep chickens inside, it won’t keep predators like foxes out.
A safer option is hardware cloth or welded wire mesh with openings no larger than half an inch. These materials are much sturdier and harder for foxes to break through, offering real protection for poultry. Reinforcing vulnerable areas with strong mesh ensures your flock stays safe from determined predators.
How Do You Fox-Proof a Yard or Coop?
Fox-proofing starts with sealing all possible entry points. Gaps around sheds, decks, or coop doors should be closed with durable materials like welded mesh or heavy wood. Reinforcing gates and using secure latches ensures foxes can’t pry their way inside.
For added protection, electric fencing or motion-activated lights can discourage foxes from approaching. Removing attractants such as uncovered garbage, pet food, or leftover feed also makes your property less appealing. Combining these steps creates a layered defense that keeps foxes from making your yard or coop their next target.
What Should You Do If You Spot a Fox Near Your Property?
If you see a fox nearby, the best response is to stay calm and avoid approaching it. Most foxes are shy and will leave on their own, but you can clap your hands, make noise, or turn on lights to encourage it to move along more quickly. Keeping pets indoors or on a leash during these encounters is also important for their safety.
You should also check your property afterward to ensure there are no attractants drawing the fox in. Secure garbage cans, remove food scraps, and double-check that poultry or small pets are protected. If a fox becomes a repeat visitor or shows unusual behavior, contacting wildlife removal professionals can provide a safe and lasting solution.
Conclusion
Foxes are resourceful animals capable of squeezing through gaps as small as 4 inches, digging under barriers, and testing weak spots around fences or coops. Their agility and persistence mean even a small oversight can become an open invitation for them to enter your property.
The best defense is prevention through strong fencing, sealed gaps, and the removal of food attractants. By combining these measures with quick action when foxes are spotted, you can protect pets, poultry, and property while keeping these clever animals at a safe distance.
Keep Foxes Out with AAAC Wildlife Removal
If foxes are sneaking through fences, digging near coops, or threatening your pets, it’s time to call in the professionals. At AAAC Wildlife Removal, we specialize in safe and effective fox control, using proven methods to protect your property without harming the animals.
Our team can identify entry points, secure vulnerable areas, and create long-term solutions to keep foxes away for good. Don’t wait until a curious fox causes real damage
