diff --git a/proxywatchd.py b/proxywatchd.py
index 2756f12..7ee3b91 100644
--- a/proxywatchd.py
+++ b/proxywatchd.py
@@ -59,6 +59,12 @@ class WorkerJob():
 					err == rocksock.RS_E_HIT_TIMEOUT:
 						# proxy is not online, so don't waste time trying all possible protocols
 						break
+					elif fp == 0 and \
+					err == rocksock.RS_E_TARGET_CONN_REFUSED:
+						fail_inc = 0
+						if random.randint(0, (config.watchd.threads-1)/2) == 0:
+							_log("could not connect to proxy 0, sleep 5s", "ERROR")
+						time.sleep(5)
 				elif et == rocksock.RS_ET_GAI:
 					fail_inc = 0
 					_log("could not resolve connection target %s"%srv, "ERROR")