Winter squatters

[Sidekick Farm]

Greetings! The snow has started here and everyone’s getting ready for winter. It appears some burrowing animal is preparing by trying to nest inside my coop. The coop is skirted with wire fencing, rocks, and plantings. I’ve done a perimeter search and there is no evidence of security breach from the outside. Inside, however, there are signs of digging and visible holes from the coop floor to beneath the wire skirt. I have the feeder hanging from the loft and the water is in there too. It’s quite cozy so I understand the squatters interest but I want them out. I’m terrified they’ll bring mites to the habitat. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks a bunch.

 

[CluckerFamily]

I would put out a trail camera and a live trap to see what is trying to burrow.

 

[Sidekick Farm]

I would put out a trail camera and a live trap to see what is trying to burrow.

We have a trail camera up but haven’t seen anything yet. I think the trap is a good idea. I’ll set one out after they go to bed. Thanks for you input.

 

[cmom]

I use my cameras in the video mode. I'm surprised you didn't get anything on yours. If you don't catch anything the first night, try baiting the trap and let the predator take the bait for a couple of nights then set the trap. I have had success that way. Good luck...

 

[aart]

The coop is skirted with wire fencing, rocks, and plantings. I’ve done a perimeter search and there is no evidence of security breach from the outside. Inside, however, there are signs of digging and visible holes from the coop floor to beneath the wire skirt.

So pic is taken from inside the run wall?
....and skirting is outside the run?
How far did hole go outside run wall?
You know chickens can dig pretty prodigiously,
I had to line inside the bottom of run wall, and other places, with logs and boards and pavers.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/excavation-by-birds-a-word-of-warning.1086535/

 

[Sally PB]

Ostriches or Jack Russel Chickens:

This is your description from that thread. I'm glad I set my tea mug down before I read it, or there would be tea splatters on my monitor screen now.