My Vixen

... just got back from our Night Patrol and can report that My Vixen looks in remarkable condition considering the attack of sarcoptic mange which ravaged her coat last winter/spring. Her coat and tail have regrown completely and she is building up her fat reserves for the rapidly approaching winter. Also, Meadow Vixen seems to be fine after sustaining a very nasty wound to her flank a couple of weeks ago. There was a gaping hole in her side which looked suspiciously like a bullet wound and there was a real fear of infection getting in. However, with the much-appreciated aid from Derbyshire Fox Rescue, the wound has healed over and she took food from me a couple of nights ago (only appears two or three times a week). All in all, good news all round.

A bit of excitement tonight

... in the top meadow as I mistook a young dog fox for my Meadow Vixen and held out a piece of chicken, assuming that if it wasn't her, the animal would shy away ... but on this occasion, the young fox had a rush of blood and lunged forward to literally snap his jaws on the chicken. His teeth caught two of my fingers and I feared that he had broken the skin, but on inspection, I was ok. Most unfortunately, the old black Sanyo cam failed yet again and is now becoming most unreliable and will have to be replaced.
Earlier in the evening, I did manage to get a tiny bit of footage of the 'Ghost Litter' which I'll post next.

MEADOW VIXEN AND MY VIXEN

... both vixens showed up and the former took another antibiotic tablet. My Vixen was much more relaxed and took food gently and waited while I saw to the badgers.

Badgers and discipline do not go together and I'm having more and more trouble with them chasing the foxes to try and steal their food. If you run after a badger, they'll scuttle away but come back as soon as your back is turned whereas if you were to chase a fox, they'd disappear never to return ...

Chest now very sore and hopeful that tomorrow will finally see some improvement ...

The return of Meadow Vixen

A most gratifying and worthwhile cliff patrol with Mr Cruisedog and just reward for going out not feeling that good. Three nights ago, Meadow Vixen appeared with a gaping hole in her side - which looked suspiciously like a gunshot wound. There was little blood and she could run without limping. I immediately contacted Derbyshire Fox Rescue who sent me (by return post) antibiotics to tender in case of infection.
After being missing for three nights, she appeared tonight and the wound appears clean and on the mend.
My Vixen (much older animal) was also back after appearing very frightened and though still a little spooked, took food.

Breathing now quite laboured walking uphill and will see my doctor later today for antibiotics of my own for what is almost certainly a chest infection.

A most welcome return of My Vixen

... missing for some time, My Vixen appeared tonight to take food but was very nervous. Mr Cruisedog showed his usual discipline when a badger scuttled past him.