First Attempt

[fshinggrl]

We had our first attempt at gaining access to our 7.5 week old chickens yesterday evening. I went out to put them in the hen house and I saw a digging hole on the side of the coop. It must have been something like a cat. We have fence buried, and the digging went to the bottom of it, but not under.

I am not happy.

I am glad whatever it was didn't get in, but I am worried about next time. It was during daylight hours.

 

[ranchhand]

I've had cats all my life and have never seen a cat go to that much effort. It could be a squirrel, trying to get at the feed. Dogs are another option- I have one that comes over every Sunday, apparently someone is visiting the neighbors every Sunday and lets their dog run while there. Pepper spray really discouraged it.

 

[pkeeler]

You could set out a trap. You could try "marking" the spot. Your fence is buried for a reason, and it worked. Keep an eye on it. I would guess something more along the fox or raccoon line, than a domestic animal or squirrel.

 

[TriciaHowe]

Wow, be glad you had that fence buried. It did it's job! I had a problem with diggers - I didn't have my fence buried though, my next one will be - so I ended up having to put a hot wire up all around my coop. It was a pain but well worth it!
Hope whatever it was doesn't come back

 

[fshinggrl]

Ok, I think I may know what it was that dug... I saw my neighbor's little schnauzer in my yard yesterday. Seems like the perfect size to make that hole. I'll be watching!!!

 

[Uppity Peon]

I saw my neighbor's little schnauzer in my yard yesterday

Schnauzers are terriers and all terriers are bred to dig and go after small prey. I think you are on the right track.​