Multiple Small Holes Under Chicken Run

[KayleeD]

I’ve noticed about three of these holes. I filled them in yesterday, but came back out to find them in the same spot again today. It seems they are underneath the run, and have not surfaced in the run so far.

Does anyone have an idea of what animal could be doing this? Thanks.

 

[Sally PB]

My first thought is mice or rats, depending on the size of the hole. Another small animal possibility is chipmunks.

Is there any food or water left in the run overnight?

 

[KayleeD]

My first thought is mice or rats, depending on the size of the hole. Another small animal possibility is chipmunks.

Is there any food or water left in the run overnight?

Okay, thanks!

Yes, there is both food and water! Good thinking. I’ll cover the food and I suppose I’ll have to remove the water each night as well.

 

[Sally PB]

Yes, there is both food and water! Good thinking. I’ll cover the food and I suppose I’ll have to remove the water each night as well.

Securely cover or remove any food.

For the water bowl in my chicken run, I dump it out, and then put it upside down on its cinder block stand. That way, any drops of water drain out and the bowl dries.

I used to just dump the water out. Then one morning, I found mouse poop in the water bowl. A tablespoon of water in a bowl is PLENTY for a mouse to drink.

As the weather gets colder, mice and other critters are looking for food, water, and shelter.

@KayleeD, where are you located? You can add that to your profile, and then it's always there. Just the state is fine, or country if you're outside the US. It really helps anyone answering questions to know your general location, because climate matters a lot when you're talking about taking care of chickens. What works for me in Michigan might not work at all for someone in Florida or Arizona or Alaska.

And,

 

[Al Gerhart]

Rats would be my reply. Mice can tunnel but not as likely to plus the size of the holes.

Removing the feed at night doesn't stop rodents, they will feed during the day. Sometimes adult chickens will go after the mice, rarely do they go after rats.

Once you get the feed in a decent treadle feeder you will not see them around.