A solar-powered device which offers protection to free-range poultry from foxes and other nocturnal predators has arrived in the UK.

Mark Thompson of Solar Predator Protection says the unit, popular with farmers in the USA, is based on a micro warning light. “A flash of light implies to all animals which hunt or feed at night that they have been discovered or are being watched. This is their deepest fear and it forces them to flee the area.”

He added that the maintenance-free product has a triple-high-intensity red flashing LED light which automatically turns on at dusk and off in full daylight. A key benefit for free-range units is that the solar-powered device needs neither batteries nor mains electricity.

Made to the highest standard, it is housed in a sealed high-impact ABS case, protecting it against moisture while able to work in temperatures from -25C to 55C. ABS is a class of composite plastics used to make car bodies and cases for computers and other appliances.

The Solar Predator Protection comes with a magnetic base for easy on-off operation or it can be screwed or wired to fences by two screw points.

Mr Thompson estimates that the protector should last between three to five years when used properly.