Problem Bunnies
Lottolearn
Posts: 73
I have some raised beds that are about 18 inches high and have been fine for a number of years despite having wild bunnies running around the garden. But this year one wild bunny has decided it wants to make it it's home and has been jumping up, getting under the mesh cover and digging a hole. No idea if it's got babies, hope not, but it comes back every day and sits quietly among the strawberries - which it does eat by the way!
I've tried putting planks along the top to make it higher but it's managed to get over those, pull them off or just make a bigger hole in the mesh netting.
I suspect the problem this year may be as I decided to fence the garden - before it was just young hedge plants. Mainly to keep out dogs which kept messing and digging, so I put up wire netting along the bottom of fence which of course means the bunnies are now enclosed.
I'm about to make small holes in the fence to let bunnies out but not sure if that will persuade bunny to vacate raised bed. She seems so happy there but meanwhile I'm not getting any strawberries.
Any ideas anyone, or do I just have to live with bunnies?
Posts
Either you have strawberries or you have bunnies. You can't have both with your present arrangements. As a compromise why don't you make a tunnel with metal mesh and cover the strawberries with that, making sure to bury enough of the mesh to keep out burrowing rodents. Keep the strawberries in a secure prison and you may get some of the fruits for yourself.
Thanks Ceres, very sensible and yes I agree, can't have both I guess. I've been spoilt as I have had both for three years but this year I've put a spanner in the works I guess. Try to cure one problem and cause myself another! I am going to get some of those wire mesh covers to keep the fruit covered. Hopefully bunnies will then realise no benefit in jumping up!
Rabbit stew followed by strawberries could be popular.