Hi heggie1
Unfortunately some foxes apparently become specialists at killing hogs and it may be that you have one there. They wait until the hog is unrolled and then pounce (i.e. attack the unprotected belly area) – which may be what happened there. That’s why I am always a bit sad hearing about people feeding hogs and foxes side by side (because the hogs will be unrolled and lulled into a false sense of security). Foxes are predators and can’t be trusted with hogs around.
I don’t envy you that dilemma. Unless you have some way you can keep the fox out whilst still allowing the hogs in, they will always be at a certain amount of risk. Even if you put the water in a box as well, they still have to get to and from the boxes. But obviously a bit safer having the water in the box if the fox can’t access it. Maybe having the feed box near somewhere the hogs can escape to easily might help a little.
There are some things which reportedly deter foxes, such as male human urine – which I believe they put round boundaries! Although I don’t know whether it works!
But it’s a bit like having a badger around. It’s safer not to feed the hogs, but try to make your garden as hog friendly as possible – i.e. encourage hog’s natural food and provide lots of sheltering places – bushes, etc. If the hog is foraging naturally, it’s more likely to be more alert, I would think, than being offered a bowl of food.
Sorry can’t really be much help.
