How to prevent squirrels from getting into run

[PastaChickenBoo]

Recently, squirrels have broken into our run and torn many feathers off of our chickens. (They also probably gave our Light Brahma a cut on her foot.) They had tunneled in (we don't have a filled trench or anything). We plan on digging a deep hole and filling it with bricks, but in the meantime, what can we do to keep them away?

 

[RonP]

Are you sure your problem is with tree squirrels?

 

[aart]

Pics of your run where 'squirrel broke in'.
If something is digging under run walls an 'apron' will be much more effective than burying a bunch of bricks.
Good examples of installation, tho I'd not recommend 1/2" HC...go with 14ga 1x2 or 1x1, will hold up much longer and is easier to lay flat.
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1110498/wire-around-coop#post_17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

 

[WildCHILD400]

Sit there with a bb gun or rifle or of you have to big of a heart for them set some traps.

 

[Brahma27]

If they are tunneling bury the fence deeper and maybe put electrical wire underground?

 

[Big Bubba]

Recently, squirrels have broken into our run and torn many feathers off of our chickens. (They also probably gave our Light Brahma a cut on her foot.) They had tunneled in (we don't have a filled trench or anything). We plan on digging a deep hole and filling it with bricks, but in the meantime, what can we do to keep them away?

Hi, I live nearby. Definitely take advise listed about keeping the squirrels out.

However, it seems very odd that squirrels would be bothering your chickens. Squirrels for the most part are vegetarians. I've got squirrels around, and outside of stealing food, they don't bother my girls at all. Plus, I doubt a squirrel could take out a chicken.

Also, are you sure those tunnels are made by the squirrels? I've seen squirrels use tunnels, but those tunnels were made by rats. Fill them in and see if they get recreated overnight. If so, it was done by a rat that is nocturnal.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

If they are tunneling bury the fence deeper and maybe put electrical wire underground?

Putting an electric wire underground will prove to be pointless because an electric wire buried underground is "grounded" by the very earth used to cover it.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Recently, squirrels have broken into our run... but in the meantime, what can we do to keep them away?

Forgive me lord but I just can't resist the temptation. I don't know it this will prevent squirrels from tunneling but if you have an overabundance of squirrels cutting off their supply of nuts may help.

 

[Latestarter]

Are you talking ground squirrels or tree squirrels? First, I don't believe squirrels are the problem... I've never heard of squirrels bothering chickens in any fashion... of course there's always exceptions and this may be one... I've also never seen tree squirrels go underground... Again, there's always a first time. If it is indeed squirrels, they'd be more interested in the chicken food than the birds.

If you could provide pictures it would be a great help.

Me personally, I'd think .22 and target practice. However, barring this, I'd do the apron as mentioned above. Much better than a brick filled trench.

 

[PastaChickenBoo]

Pics of your run where 'squirrel broke in'.
If something is digging under run walls an 'apron' will be much more effective than burying a bunch of bricks.
Good examples of installation, tho I'd not recommend 1/2" HC...go with 14ga 1x2 or 1x1, will hold up much longer and is easier to lay flat.
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1110498/wire-around-coop#post_17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

We are certain that the hole was not caused by a mouse. It was about three to four inches in diameter.
Thank you all for the suggestions. In recent times, smaller mice have dug into our coop, creating a small trench around it (that really helps with drainage). My mom filled it with rocks so it would be harder for mice to get in. We also remove the feed at night.