possible badger?

[chickadoodle]

Hi, my nieghbour told me this morning that she saw a badger in her garden last night, it ran under my garden shed! which is attached to my chicken run. Not good news! Many years ago there was a fox living under the shed, so I know theres a big hole there. I live in a built up area. no woods nearby, no fields within a mile or so, I can't think why a badger would find my shed to live under? The garden shed is very old and placed at the bottom of the garden, in the corner, with about 6 inches between shed and two fences, not easily accessable from my garden. Has anyone got any ideas for me ? There seem to be laws about rehoming or getting rid of badgers, personally, I am more concerned about my chickens welfare. Help!

 

[podstable]

Be careful---- I had 3 new Forsham arks ripped to bits and inmates all taken by badgers overnight when we first moved here as placed too near woodland--now in a different area and well secured, Ros

 

[Davidd]

Hi, they can be worse than a fox but- you cannot touch them or disturb them-they are protected by law-you could be fined or even face a jail sentence so you need to go about things lawfully. find out the laws, procedures etc first before you do anything.
regards, David

 

[victorias poultry]

A badger went in one of out fox traps a few years ago, and completely wrecked it! Bent and twisted the metal. As Davidd says they are protected by law, and are definately worse than foxes, will kill chickens.
Good luck

 

[chickadoodle]

what I find strange is I live in a built up area and have never heard of any one seeing a badger before.I asked my neighbour again and she said it was small, grey with a black and white stripes on it's head. I will have to see for myself, what a worry though.

 

[karlooben]

you can be surprised on how many badgers can live an survive in built up areas without anyone knowing , many people feed them in thier back gardens which doesnt help , i would say phone the rspca or a wildlife centre they will probably help you out more then a pest control person good luck hope it doesnt get in with your birds though , kind wish it was me with one close by i would spend all nite watching it

 

[chickadoodle]

I know how you feel! Up to a year ago I would have been so excited! And like you . up all night watching! Bucks Badgers have emailed me and said it could be badger as there is a playing field and a cemetry opposite my house! Sometimes young badgers get kicked out and have to find their own territory. He has given me a tip to put something heavy accross the hole, if its badgerhe will move it out of the way. He will come visit if I want. I will keep you updated!