Tunnels???

[RiDaGeckoGuy]

I found a few quarter sized tunnel in my run next to the fence and it went deep under and out the other side when I stuck my finger in the tunnel it was probably 2 1/2 inches wide and tall. I have no pictures

 

[rosemarythyme]

Oh I have a fully I closed run

Fully enclosed and aproned, or not aproned? Also chicken wire is not at all rodent proof so rats and mice can simply walk in.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Not aproned

Might want to consider that then, depending on what predators are a concern in your area. Apron at least 18-24" out if possible. It prevents dig ins from both small pests and larger predators.

Even if it's something relatively harmless like a chipmunk or rat digging in, other animals that can harm chickens like weasels and snakes can end up using the tunnels.

 

[DLA]

I find tunnels like that in my yard from chipmunks. If that's what it is they're probably filling their cheeks with chicken feed and are relatively harmless other than eating a ton...however the concern is that other things can use the burrows to gain access to your chickens and eggs like weasels, rats, snakes. Adding a hardware cloth apron at least 1 1/2 foot to 2 foot wide should deter them. When I was building my run chipmunks had burrows all over that area but my digging and pounding chased them out and with the hardware cloth down they never came back and went to burrow elsewhere. I didn't bury it in the soil more than an inch to cover the sharp edges, the ground was to rocky and hard. I just attached it to the bottom of the run put heavy rocks around to landscape and secure it.

 

[rosemarythyme]

What do you mean hardware cloth apron

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481100

 

[DLA]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481100

Just like that shown in the post. You can buy rolls of it in various sizes at hardware stores and online. 1/4 inch mesh squares is the best at keeping everything out (it probably wouldn't stop a bear but most other predators can't really get thru it). It's a little pricy but well worth it.

 

[DLA]

Fully enclosed and aproned, or not aproned? Also chicken wire is not at all rodent proof so rats and mice can simply walk in.

x2

 

[RiDaGeckoGuy]

I find tunnels like that in my yard from chipmunks. If that's what it is they're probably filling their cheeks with chicken feed and are relatively harmless other than eating a ton...however the concern is that other things can use the burrows to gain access to your chickens and eggs like weasels, rats, snakes. Adding a hardware cloth apron at least 1 1/2 foot to 2 foot wide should deter them. When I was building my run chipmunks had burrows all over that area but my digging and pounding chased them out and with the hardware cloth down they never came back and went to burrow elsewhere. I didn't bury it in the soil more than an inch to cover the sharp edges, the ground was to rocky and hard. I just attached it to the bottom of the run put heavy rocks around to landscape and secure it.View attachment 3677927

What do you mean hardware cloth apron

 

[RiDaGeckoGuy]

Oh I have a fully I closed run

 

[RiDaGeckoGuy]

Chicken wire but still