Here's why:
* Sharp fragments: Chicken bones can splinter into sharp pieces that can puncture the fox's digestive tract, leading to internal bleeding and serious injury.
* Digestive blockage: Larger bone fragments can get stuck in the fox's digestive system, causing blockages and severe pain.
* Internal damage: Even if the bones don't puncture or block the intestines, they can still cause internal damage through abrasion and irritation.
It's important to note that:
* Raw bones are generally more dangerous than cooked bones. Cooked bones are more brittle and likely to splinter.
* The size of the bone matters. Larger bones are more likely to cause problems.
* Individual foxes vary in their tolerance to bones. Some foxes might be able to handle small, cooked bones with no issue, while others could suffer severe complications.
The safest course of action is to avoid feeding foxes chicken bones altogether. Offer them safe alternatives like meat scraps, fruits, and vegetables.
If you suspect a fox has eaten chicken bones, monitor them for signs of distress like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian for advice.