Foxes are a fact of life when keeping chickens, but I didn't think of the rats, and health risks that accompany that part of it, I didn't know rats could eat chickens to be honest, it just didn't occur to me, I just thought they came for the chicken feed, how awful, but hopefully the dogs will keep the rats at bay, I know chickens can get all kinds of fleas and nasty little critters, oh well, each to their own and good luck!