Groundhog!

[MYNSBTR]

While it doesn't seem to be causing any harm to my chickens, it certainly makes them mad that he's running free in the yard when they can't...but he is wreaking havoc on my garden. Any suggestions on how to get rid of him? And does anyone know if he will harm the girls?

 

[Debbi]

I've had multiple years of Groundhog problems here! No, they won't hurt the chickens, in fact they eat the weeds that grow up around the chicken run. I can tell when one is out there by the run, the Silkies all go crazy! I have tried trapping them to no avail. The so-called experts suggested broccoli or cantelope for bait. My German Shepherd has killed two of them, but if your dog is under say, 90lbs or so, he may get the worst end of the deal! These things are huge out here, and they are tough when challenged. Last year the dog killed a big male, and came back bloodied up.

I find, that these chucks come out in the heat of the day, say noon-2:00pm. A .22 rifle would do the trick, but you must be there long before they get there, and be very still. They had dug under my well house one fall, and I did not see the hole, until my well froze in the winter!

If they get under a shed or other building, you can take a wad of rags or old towel, saturate with ammonia, put them in a large coffee can with the lid on, and poke a few holes in the lid. They don't like the smell and it will run them off. Good luck, while they are fat and cute, and won't hurt the chooks, they will do a lot of damage to your property.

 

[Mattemma]

I put my trap where a groundhog came under the fence.I used apples,carrots,canteloupe.I even chased one down with a stick once.I say get rid of them.Find the path.My sister puts a trap in front of hole under shed.Got a few that way.

 

[MYNSBTR]

Yes, it has made a few holes under my fence and under the shed. I don't know if it lives under there, or it's just set up temporary shelter. The girls go CRAZY when it's out there and it's huge. They were all hanging out in the yard today. I walked outside and saw it, and he ran right past the girls to get under the shed. Someone had said to use Irish Spring shavings around the yard/garden to keep them away...I will try that. I have thought about the .22 idea, but gun laws are kinda tough in NJ, so we don't have any...lol

Thanks for the help!