How to prevent squirrels from getting into run

[PastaChickenBoo]

Are you talking ground squirrels or tree squirrels?

What's the difference between ground and tree squirrels?

Also, when our run was less secure, the squirrels would slip in and steal feed.

 

[PastaChickenBoo]

It could be rats. A few days ago one of our traps caught a very big mouse (not big enough to be a rat) but it escaped...

Speaking of traps, which one would be the most chicken-friendly? We are currently using snap traps that are put away when the chickens come out.

 

[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

I looked at the pictures. We do have a small skirt, but it's really small compared to the one in the article. Hmm.

 

[Big Bubba]

PastaChickenBoo -

There really aren't ground squirrels around this area (I live in Silver Spring) except for chipmunks.

After reading through this thread I'm almost certain it is rats. And rats, you will soon learn, are very hard to control. The best thing you can do is make sure there is absolutely no food source for them. That alone may take care of the issue.

Catching them is difficult. Rats are smart. I use the TomCat rat snap trap. It seems like they are easier to catch when they are young. I think rat poison gets mush better results.

 

[chickens really]

If it's happening at night?...Not ground or tree Squirrel..A predator..Rats or tiny Weasel..

 

[Riverdale]

My chickens would kill and eat ground squirrels.........
And mice, and voles and moles

 

[PastaChickenBoo]

No weasels here. Probably a rat. We set up snap traps at night now (we take them away when chooks free range). We've caught some huge mice.

 

[RWise]

One can cut down on squirrels with live traps and peanut-butter, move them far far away, check with your wildlife dept.,,,,
Good luck with the rats! Onebite II rat bars is what I use,,,