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Rabbits burrowing

DebratheZebraDebratheZebra Posts: 6
in Garden design
We have a new raised bed, approx 2ft high. We have noticed something digging in it (we have planted mahonias and bare root hostas as it's north facing). Yesterday it had burrowed into the soil (I suspect a rabbit) so I got some chicken wire and covered the area (I layed the chicken wire flat over the whole area). This morning it has chewed through the chicken wire and burrowed down in exactly the same place!

I'm amazed as we also have weedproof down underneath the slate, and holes were cut through the weedproof to plant the hostas. The rabbit even chose a site where the weedproof had been cut and the hosta planted (the hosta is no more!)

What can I do? Should I put the chicken wire around the raised bed to form a fence instead?


Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Chicken wire needs to be buried - about 18 inches to a couple of feet at least.
    Rabbits burrow  ;)

    Are you sure it's a rabbit too? They tend to eat what's growing above ground.Once they've tunnelled under to get in. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • DebratheZebraDebratheZebra Posts: 6
    Thank you. I only assumed it was a rabbit as the hole is about rabbit-sized and the security light has been set off at night and we've spied a rabbit! I've been told they sometimes burrow to find somewhere to sleep or to have their babies.
  • SkandiSkandi Posts: 1,723
    I suspect it chewed it's way OUT not in, if you can make sure it's not at home when you put the wire down it probably won't chew through that to get back in.
  • purplerallimpurplerallim Posts: 5,287
    Chicken wire is useless against rabbits ( they will be through it in minutes 🙄) husband used triweld to keep rabbits from getting through .
  • DebratheZebraDebratheZebra Posts: 6
    Before I put the chicken wire down I got a rod and poked it down into the hole. It only went so far in and there wasn't anything in there. Hmmm, thanks for the comment about the chicken wire being useless. We'll have a rethink. I just don't want it disturbing the rest of my hostas.
  • purplerallimpurplerallim Posts: 5,287
    That might not be the case @DebratheZebra as if it is a nest burrow the doe has the litter and then buries it part way down the tunnel only opening it up to feed them twice a day. The rest of the time she is elsewhere. 
  • DebratheZebraDebratheZebra Posts: 6
    Ohhh thank you for the info @purplerallim. I'm not sure what to do now.
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