Sophie Bennett
Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, can be a menace to your garden and chicken coop. They are cautious, shy creatures with a strong sense of smell, and are known to dig tunnels and feast on crops, vegetables, and flowers. If you have a groundhog problem, there are several ways to keep them away from your chicken pen and out of your garden. Here are some effective methods to deter and prevent groundhogs from invading your space.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fencing | Use heavy poultry wire, chicken wire or welded wire with mesh size no bigger than 3 x 3 inches. The fence should be at least 3 feet high and buried 12 inches underground with the lowest 6 inches bent in an L-shape extending outward from the garden. |
| Chicken Pen | Place chicken wire around the pen and install a 4-6 foot high fence 6 inches from the edge of the wire closest to the pen. Leave the top foot of the wire unattached to the posts to stop groundhogs from climbing and tunneling. |
| Repellents | Use animal repellent or predator urine, such as that from a coyote or fox. Place the repellent in the burrows nearest the property and repeat the process in burrows further away 1-2 days later. |
| Scare Tactics | Use solar stakes that send out ultrasonic pulses or visual scare tactics such as scarecrows and pinwheels. |
| Vegetation | Keep vegetation around the pen low to discourage groundhogs from burrowing. |
| Trapping | Set traps on a flat surface and brace them with heavy logs or rocks. Camouflage the trap by spraying it with water and rolling it in dirt, then throwing some twigs, leaves, grass and/or branches on top. |
| Human Presence | Place human hair clippings near the pen and in burrow entrances. Groundhogs hate the smell of humans. |
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What You'll Learn
Use fencing and chicken wire
Fencing and chicken wire can be an effective way to keep groundhogs away from your chicken pen. Chicken wire is a type of welded wire mesh fence with small openings that prevent groundhogs from climbing or burrowing under.
When installing a chicken wire fence, it is important to ensure that the fence is at least 3 to 4 feet high to prevent groundhogs from climbing over. Additionally, the top foot of the chicken wire should be left unattached to the posts and bent outward to create a wobbly barrier that discourages climbing.
To prevent burrowing, it is recommended to extend the chicken wire at least 1 to 2 feet underground, bending the bottom part into an L-shape that points away from the enclosed area. This will prevent groundhogs from digging under the fence.
For added security, you can attach the chicken wire to metal or wooden posts and use zip ties to secure the wire to the posts and create a sturdy barrier. It is also important to ensure that the fence is taut and does not have any gaps that groundhogs could squeeze through.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively use fencing and chicken wire to keep groundhogs away from your chicken pen and protect your chickens and vegetation.
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Apply animal repellent
Groundhogs are known to have sensitive noses, so using strong-smelling repellents can be an effective way to keep them away from your chicken pen. Here are some detailed instructions for applying different types of animal repellents:
Commercial Repellents
Commercial repellents can be purchased from farmers' supply stores and come in both granular and liquid forms. Granular repellents are typically poured directly into groundhog burrows and around their openings, exploiting the groundhogs' sense of smell. Liquid repellents, on the other hand, drive groundhogs away with their unpleasant taste. For best results, choose a reputable brand like Safer® Brand Critter Ridder® Animal Repellent Granulars.
Castor Oil Mixture
You can make your own homemade groundhog repellent by mixing one-half cup of castor oil with two cups of water. Fill a spray bottle with this mixture and liberally spray it in and around the chicken pen, focusing on burrow holes and entrances. Castor oil has a smell that groundhogs find repulsive, so this can be an effective natural alternative to commercial repellents.
Predator Urine
Groundhogs are wary of the scent of predators. You can purchase predator urine, such as that from a coyote or fox, and soak kitty litter with it. Place the urine-soaked kitty litter around the chicken pen. This method will need to be repeated as the smell fades or after it rains. Alternatively, consider using a cat as a natural predator to keep groundhogs away.
Human Hair and Blood Meal
Groundhogs dislike the smell of humans, so human hair clippings can be used as a repellent. Spread hair clippings around the chicken pen and near any burrow entrances. To prevent the hair from blowing away, tuck them into a mesh bag and secure it to the ground near the chicken pen. Similarly, blood meal is an organic fertilizer that also acts as a repellent to groundhogs.
Mothballs
Mothballs have a strong smell that groundhogs may find repulsive. Place mothballs in mesh bags and scatter them around the chicken pen and in areas where groundhogs frequent. However, keep in mind that mothballs will need to be replaced regularly as they dissipate over time.
Remember, while these repellents can be effective, they may not be strong enough to completely deter groundhogs from burrowing. Combining these methods with other preventative measures, such as fencing and vegetation management, will create a more comprehensive groundhog deterrence strategy.
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Try natural repellents, like human hair clippings
One way to deter groundhogs from your chicken pen is to use natural repellents such as human hair clippings. Groundhogs detest the scent of humans, so placing hair clippings near their burrows or in your chicken pen can be an effective way to keep them away. To prevent the hair from blowing away, place the clippings inside a mesh bag and secure it to the ground or a stake. You can also use hair clippings from your local barber or hairdresser, as the scent of humans is what deters groundhogs.
Another natural repellent is Epsom salt, which groundhogs dislike the taste of. Sprinkle the salt around the perimeter of your chicken pen and near any burrow entrances or exits. You can also place a tin pie plate filled with Epsom salt near the chicken pen. Remember to reapply the salt after it rains or when the scent fades.
In addition to natural repellents, you can also use fencing and chicken wire to create a barrier around your chicken pen. Make sure the fence is at least three to four feet high and bend the top foot of the chicken wire outward to prevent groundhogs from climbing and tunneling. To further discourage burrowing, bend the buried portion of the fence at a 90-degree angle about one foot below the ground, with the bottom of the fence pointing away from the pen.
By combining natural repellents like human hair clippings and Epsom salt with physical barriers like fencing and chicken wire, you can effectively deter groundhogs from your chicken pen.
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Trap and release them elsewhere
Trapping and releasing groundhogs is a humane way to keep them away from your chicken pen. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Choose a Trap
Select a live groundhog trap that is large enough for the groundhog to enter comfortably. Havahart® traps are a popular choice as they are designed to be safe for animals and easy to use. You can purchase these traps from hardware stores, garden supply stores, or online.
Step 2: Prepare the Trap
Camouflage the trap by spraying it with water and rolling it in dirt to make it look natural. You can also cover it with leaves, twigs, grass, or branches. Place bricks or stones on top of the trap to prevent it from rattling and scaring the groundhog away.
Step 3: Bait the Trap
Place the trap near the groundhog's burrow or an area where they frequent. Use bait such as cantaloupe, carrots, peanut butter, zucchini, or vegetables they have stolen from your garden. Place the bait in a way that encourages the groundhog to fully enter the trap. You can also tie the trap open and leave bait inside for a few days to familiarize the groundhog with the trap.
Step 4: Check the Trap Regularly
Groundhogs can be anxious once trapped, so check your trap regularly to prevent them from injuring themselves. Wear heavy gloves when handling the trap, and keep it away from your body. Cover the trap with a cloth or tarp to keep the groundhog calm.
Step 5: Release the Groundhog
Before releasing the groundhog, check the laws and guidelines in your area to ensure relocation is permitted. Choose a release location at least 5 to 10 miles away, preferably in a wooded area with plenty of shade and a water source. Set the trap down, remove the covering, and open the door. Allow the groundhog to exit the trap on its own accord, and maintain a safe distance to avoid any potential bites or scratches.
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Use scare tactics, like solar stakes
Groundhogs are cautious creatures that can be scared away from chicken pens by new objects in their environment. One such scare tactic is the use of solar-powered ultrasonic stakes, which can be placed in the ground around the chicken pen. These stakes emit irritating sonic pulses and vibrations through the ground, forcing groundhogs to evacuate the area. They are safe, effective, and maintenance-free, powered by solar energy to operate 24/7.
Solar-powered ultrasonic stakes are easy to install and can be purchased from online retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and HomeShielders. They are designed to be placed in the ground around the area you want to protect, such as a chicken pen. The solar panel on top of the stake collects energy during the day to power the device, including at night and on cloudy days, so it is always active.
When installing solar-powered ultrasonic stakes, it is important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. In general, you will need to insert the stake firmly into the ground, choosing a sunny location for the solar panel to receive direct sunlight. The bottom of the stake should touch the ground, and it should be kept at surface level to prevent tripping hazards. Once installed, slide the switch to the "ON" position to activate the device.
It is recommended to install multiple stakes within 100 feet of each other to ensure full coverage. The number of stakes needed will depend on the size of the area you are protecting. Additionally, some products offer different modes or settings, allowing you to customize the frequency and intensity of the ultrasonic pulses and vibrations.
While solar-powered ultrasonic stakes can be an effective way to scare away groundhogs, it is worth noting that customer reviews of these products are mixed. Some customers have found them to be worth the money and effective at keeping groundhogs away, while others have expressed disappointment and considered them a waste of money. Therefore, it may be worthwhile to try out different scare tactics and products to find the most successful combination for your specific situation.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to keep groundhogs away from your chicken pen. One of the most effective ways is to install fencing that is at least 3 to 4 feet high and buried 12 inches underground. Chicken wire or welded wire with a mesh size no bigger than 3 by 3 inches can be used. You can also bend the top 15 inches of the fence outward at a 45-degree angle to make it more difficult for groundhogs to climb.
Groundhogs have a sensitive sense of smell, so natural repellents can be effective. They are deterred by the scents of garlic, lavender, basil, chives, lemon balm, mint, sage, thyme, rosemary, and oregano. Castor oil and apple cider vinegar are also good deterrents and can be sprinkled around the chicken pen or in nearby groundhog burrows.
Yes, there are several other methods that can be used in addition to or instead of fencing and repellents. Scare tactics such as solar stakes that send out ultrasonic pulses or motion-activated sprinklers can be effective. Groundhogs are cautious and can be frightened by new objects, so these tactics may work in the short term but are more successful when changed frequently. Live trapping is another option, but it is important to release the groundhog in an area at least 5 miles away and make sure it is a suitable environment for them.
