ChickNic Posted April 9, 2008 Share Posted April 9, 2008 Hello all, I think I have a problem with a squirrel tunnelling into my eglu run! The last few days there has been a big hole under the front of the eglu (under the door) and disturbed earth around the arch of the eglu at the side. I put bricks inside the run, but this morning the hole has moved to the otherside of the bricks! In the past week I have had a seed bell hanging in the run, so have now removed this and blocked the arches with bricks so hopefully they will stop. I always bring the food in at night and shut the girls in, so I can't imagine it would be a rat (plus I haven't seen one around). I do quite like the squirrels, especially as we have a rather rare albino one in our area. However, I am worried that they might attack the chickens. Do I need to worry? Obviously, I'm also worried that this tunnelling might give Mr Fox some ideas. Has anyone else known a fox to tunnel under the eglu?! Look forward to your advice. Thanks, Nicky, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted April 9, 2008 Share Posted April 9, 2008 It could be squirrels....but I'm afraid it is more likely to be rats. Why not put a few bait boxes around the place? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChickNic Posted April 9, 2008 Author Share Posted April 9, 2008 Well I will if it continues now I have removed all food sources. Won't rat poison be dangerous for the squirrels and other wildlife though? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gallina Posted April 9, 2008 Share Posted April 9, 2008 It sounds just like rats to me. Have you checked to see if there is a nest under the Eglu, because that is where they love to live, with a roof heated by hens' bottoms. Taking the food in at night stops them eating the food, but they still enjoy bed without breakfast. Whatever you do, make sure the hens are shut in at night: there are some horror stories about what rats have done to hens while they are asleep. Rat poison is placed in special containers and put into the kind of places where the rats like to go. I don't know if a squirrel would be able to get into the container; a bird or hedgehog wouldn't be able to. The risk of killing the wrong animal is much greater if you use traps, so I would use poison. See first if your local council will put it down free of charge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted April 9, 2008 Share Posted April 9, 2008 You can use something called**Eradibait**which is not meant affect other species. If you bait the box as per instructions, squirrels are unlikely to get into the boxes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChickNic Posted April 9, 2008 Author Share Posted April 9, 2008 I will gingerly move the Eglu tonight and see if I can find anything underneath! I will then make a baiting decision based on what I find. Do you think it would be possible for a fox to get under the same way? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted April 9, 2008 Share Posted April 9, 2008 A determined fox could tunnel in....but is is unlikely -ish. It is a good idea to weigh the skirt of the run down with boulders or use those nifty tent peg thingies sold in the Omlet shop. I have my Eglu on slabs to prevent both rats and foxes trying their luck. I still occasionally see signs of rats digging, but the go under the slabs. I don't give them second chances. The hosepipe goes on and bait boxes are dotted around at all times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChickNic Posted April 9, 2008 Author Share Posted April 9, 2008 Well we have already bricked down the run and I have filled each of the arches with broekn bricks and roof tiles. Will keep you posted on how I get on! Thanks for the advice. Nicky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
