Run floor: dirt and deep litter overtop hardware cloth?

[aart]

Thanks for the advice -- is a run really predator-proof if the floor is open, with a predator apron? We can do one, but I still can't wrap my mind around it being enough with the floor open. I guess you just keep an eye out for signs of tunneling under?

It depends on where you live and what the predator load is...and what the rest of the run is like, of course.
Aprons are pretty effective if installed correctly.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Thanks for the advice -- is a run really predator-proof if the floor is open, with a predator apron? We can do one, but I still can't wrap my mind around it being enough with the floor open. I guess you just keep an eye out for signs of tunneling under?

Yup pretty much. I've seen rat tunnels started and then abandoned part way through, they gave up before they dug all the way under.

If you have a big gopher/mole/etc problem, pretty hard to keep them from causing havoc no matter what, because even if you cover the floor of the run with HWC they'll still make tunnels everywhere and weaken the soil under the floor.

 

[aart]

Yup pretty much. I've seen rat tunnels started and then abandoned part way through, they gave up before they dug all the way under.

How deep did you bury your apron @rosemarythyme

 

[rosemarythyme]

How deep did you bury your apron @rosemarythyme

It's not buried, it sits on surface. The rat tunnel I saw extended about 10" past the apron's edge.

 

[aart]

It's not buried, it sits on surface. The rat tunnel I saw extended about 10" past the apron's edge.

Not seeing it.
Surprised they didn't get under apron.

 

[mowin]

Not seeing it.
Surprised they didn't get under apron.

Not positive, but I think she's saying the rat was under the apron, but gave up because the distance was too great and too much trouble.

I can see that being the case if very boney ground or clay like I've got. Sandy, easier digging.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Not positive, but I think she's saying the rat was under the apron, but gave up because the distance was too great and too much trouble.

Yes, this. It started digging at the edge of the apron, got about 10" in under the apron, gave up and backed out.

 

[aart]

Yes, this. It started digging at the edge of the apron, got about 10" in under the apron, gave up and backed out.

Interesting. Have read about rats tunneling way under HC, either apron or run floor.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I'm sure they're quite capable of it but at least in this case, I was happy that the apron actually deterred it.