Keeping bunnies and other critters out of our yard???

[sunnysandiegan]

We have a tiny backyard that is completely fenced. The gate, however, is far enough off the ground to allow access to plenty of critters. We just started growing food plants and the potato plants are getting eaten by something. I know we have lots of bunnies and coyotes nearby since we've seen those. I don't know specifically about the others, but I'm sure there are some...

It is a wood gate that matches the fence. The ground is not completely level in the area the gate needs to swing open or even when it is closed.

What would you recommend we add to the bottom of the gate and how shall I attach it?

I am waiting for the roofers to finish their job before I remove my temporary coverings (newspaper) and work in some organic compost and plant some other food plants (asparagus, broccoli, romaine). I'd like to get the gate retrofitted before then, if possible.

Thanks for any ideas and/or links!

[mattemma04]

I would attach a piece of metal wire fencing.The ones with little squares.You can cut it to fit..Not the chicken wire,because that bends to easy.And leave the bottom of the wire exposed instead of smooth in case they try to push under the wire.The exposed wire will cut at them,and hopefully discourage them.

Where my fencing meets the house I have gaps,and for those places I just put in wooden boards.

You can also plant decoy crops outside of your fenced area to lure them away.

If the problem persists you can get those hunting cams pretty cheap these days and it will take pics day/night when there is activity in front of the camera.I love seeing what people catch prowling around at night.

[sunnysandiegan]

Excellent ideas!

Thanks so much. I especially like the decoy crops. We have the perfect place for those and I have an extra romaine plant right now. I will check out the type of metal fencing you are referencing for the bottom of the gate. I haven't noticed any other gaps, but I will double-check every inch. A camera does sound fun!

[sunnysandiegan]

Just following up.... I checked and the only gap is the space under the gate, which is roughly as wide as my hand (turned upright...about 3-4 inches?). Can bunnies get through that space?

I planted the romaine today. Put five of six in the lettuce bowl I am growing (Amish Deer Tongue, spinach, and romaine) and I planted the sixth romaine starter outside our gate for the bunnies/critters. Maybe they will appreciate my sharing attitude and leave my plants alone???

[Owen'nZoe]

Originally Posted by sunnysandiegan

Just following up.... I checked and the only gap is the space under the gate, which is roughly as wide as my hand (turned upright...about 3-4 inches?). Can bunnies get through that space?

I would say yes, that is plenty of space for a bunny to get through. My dog could even get through that space (she's a chihuahua, and I've seen her do it). :

[goldfinches]

First, I'm jealous that you're planting already.

Second, yes, the bunny can get through that hole. I had a fence that was wire with holes about 2" square. They were able to easily get through it.

Someone somewhere told me that if a mama bunny made her nest in your garden, she would do what she could to keep the area looking undisturbed. She wouldn't want predators seeing that she was living there. So, each year, a mama chose my garden for her nest, and I left it undisturbed, and she didn't nibble on anything or dig, etc. When the babies got big enough, they moved out, lol!