fluffyfeet Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 I wondered if anyone else had encountered this problem in their garden. We have always had holes of varying sizes in the garden, usually (we think) dug by a large squirrel - about 3" across and sometimes 3-4" deep. They tend to appear in batches with no real pattern and I can never find any prints to prove what it is. We do know that there is a badger around here and we think it crosses our back garden fairly regularly, and we have had the turf 'peeled' and have put that down to Brock and his nocturnal activities. Last week I noticed that something had dug a hole about 6-8 inches across and about 10 inches deep, and I just thought Brock must be looking for grubs a bit deeper as we haven't had much rain. OH was down the garden tonight and asked if I had seen the hole. I said yes and he said I don't think you have because you would have mentioned this one, so I went to take a look. There is a hole about 8-10" across that goes down about a foot and then you see that there is a 'cave' to one side! I would have had a pic but despite telling OH to wait until I had a photo he went and filled it in! There is no soil around the hole, no marks and no 'deposits', which makes me think badger rather than fox, but the hole doesn't seem big enough for a badger. Have popped back down just, and heard it run off, and it's been digging in the same place again, and this time I have found a paw print. There does not appear to be any attempted break ins to the WIR either, and we haven't seen or smelt any must which I would expect with Foxy Loxy, so I'm a bit stumped. Next door has a big hole behind their shed which they recently filled in so I think this may be connected. I'm very tempted to get a camera set up, as I would love it if it is badgers, although OH isn't chuffed at the idea. I'm off for another look Dawn x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Omletina Kyckling Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 Oooh intrigue....it could be the pixies, they are devious little souls you know Can't wait to hear more!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 Could it be where the hens have been dustbathing? My garden is like a moonscape. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teacake Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 good grief, a giant mole? a bear, aliens? no idea. hope you solve the mystery! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fluffyfeet Posted March 28, 2011 Author Share Posted March 28, 2011 It's not been back again yet - although if it spotted OH in his dressing gown it probably thought better of it It will crack me up if it's been dug again tomorrow - serve OH right for filling it in! Dawn x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 Ooooo how interesting! Keep us updated on this - seems strange!! I need to get out more... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 Ooh, you don't want badgers near your hens! They don't often cause trouble, but I've heard they can cause a lot of damage when they put their minds to it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjp Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 It sounds like the hole we're getting on the allotment which we've put down to either the fox or the rabbits. I suspect the fox as a few are close the the fox den entrance the back of my shed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scarlettohara Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 My friends Mum found a hole that was connected to a tunnel which went completely underneath her pond and out the other side They have foxes so have put it down to them Now filled in Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 Could it be where the hens have been dustbathing? My garden is like a moonscape. Mine too You can usually smell fox if it is a fox and both are quite messy (poo). I hope it is neither for the sake of your chickens. A hungry badger has been known to kill chickens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 I agree with OK - pixies or goblins - nasty little beasties - probably setting up a camp - you'll see red spotted toadstools next with doors and windows. Must stop watching Noddy - making me silly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
