Thoughts on what’s digging around my run?

[Havi Hoagie]

Wondering what’s digging around my run...I was out of town for a few weeks and came back to a number of holes like the ones pictured here. Some very small, some larger. I was worried about the Fox we’ve seen around twice last year. But the smaller holes make me think rats. I do have feed in rodent-proof feeders. And always assumed rats could come and go through the run anyway. I don’t *see* any holes on inside of run and larger ones don’t seem to go anywhere. All the chickens are fine...we also have skunk and raccoons as regular visitors...thoughts?

 

[JustAChickenLoverOverHere]

@aart @sourland

 

[sourland]

Rats are a strong possibility.

 

[bill3607]

It could be about anything. But, I am wanting to say Armadillo possibly. The reason being the smaller holes adjacent to the bigger hole in the second picture. This just looks a lot like Armadillo and the way they dig around looking for grubs etc. It sort of looks like it was not necessarily trying to get in your run.
If it is Armadillo you will probably have much more digging going on around your land in coming nights. They can really tear some ground up if they find a place they like.

 

[aart]

Could be anything.....or multiple 'things'.
Do the holes lead to tunnels?
Stick something down them to see how far they go.
Only a game cam will tell the tale for sure.

 

[cmom]

Probably rats. Here are some rat tunnels.

 

[bobbi-j]

Rats and skunks will dig. Other animals may take advantage of holes and tunnels.

 

[bill3607]

I still think armadillo. The more I like at those holes that is what it looks like. I have just seen that so many times.

They should not be a danger to your chickens, though. They are just looking for grubs. They will, however, tear a yard up.

 

[aart]

I still think armadillo.

In case you didn't notice, the OP is from Pennsylvania where I don't think armadillos reside.

 

[bill3607]

In case you didn't notice, the OP is from Pennsylvania where I don't think armadillos reside.

Well, I would have to disagree with you on that. I am fairly positive that they do have Armadillo in Pennsylvania and have for the last several years. There are plenty of articles online that tell you that they are there. We did not have them here either years ago as well as coyote and fire ants. They migrated from the west and then started heading north. They still may not be over abundant in Pennsylvania. And, even places that they are fairly abundant you will not see them very often so a lot of people still do not realize that they have them. However, when you get one foraging in your yard you will certainly see the damage.