Small rodent getting into chicken run

[TheyBeChillin]

Hello! I’ve recently discovered a small hole, roughly the size of a nickel or a quarter in diameter, in my chicken run. I’m not sure what type of rodent, but I’m thinking mice or maybe a vole. The first time I discovered only one hole, I filled it up with rocks thinking that was that. However, a couple days afterwards I’ve now found two more holes- one inside the chicken run and one directly outside. They’re both now filled with rocks. Any way I could trap the animal/kill it? I would’ve left it alone if it hadn’t kept coming back. I don’t want a bunch of holes in my run or my feed to get eaten so I don’t see any other option. I don’t want to put poison out for fear my chickens will get into it. Any ideas? Thank you so much!

 

[BarnyardChaos]

You could remove the feed at night and put it back in the morning. Leaving it in the run will attract more serious and dangerous varmints, too - like raccoons. If I don't put the food up at night, there's a party in the run. Amazing how crafty these critters are at getting in where you wouldn't imagine it possible. If it's mice or a vole, your chickens may catch it for you and eat it. Bonus protein! If it's a snake, you may have problems. Hopefully someone else will chime in with some ideas.

 

[TheyBeChillin]

I usually put caps over the feed at night so that they can’t get into it. They’re thick, plastic caps, but I know they’ll be persistent. I think it’s going after the feed my chickens scatter everywhere haha. A raccoon or a snake would be much worse though to attract, so I hope it isn’t that. Thanks for your response!