Something is digging up my garden

by Michael
(Doylestown, Pa.)

I live in southeastern Pennsylvania and I have something digging up my planting beds. I have raised beds with lots of earthworms (I think that's what they are after). The garden is surrounded by 1/2 inch x 1/2 inch wire fence that is buried 1 foot down and goes 4 feet up. Something digs up my garden. There are no obvious breaches in the fence or the gate, so I assume the creature is climbing over the fence. It doesn't eat the plants but destroys them going after whatever it is looking for. It makes holes that are about 3-4 inches in diameter and about 6 inches deep. Can you please help me identify this critter and how to get rid of it?

Thanks
Michael

Comments for Something is digging up my garden

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Feb 06, 2011
 Birds or Guiena Hens or Turkeys
by: Ellen

Maybe it is guiena hen or wild turkeys. I have them around my back yard and they are always in my garden looking for worms or bugs. I don't know if you live in the country or the city? I live out in the country and see all kinds of wild animals and birds. Have you tried setting a trap? That is how I caught the raccoon that ate three of my hens. Hope you catch the bird or animal who is destroying your beds.
Feb 06, 2011
 Thanks Ellen
by: Michael

I live in the country and have seen wild turkeys in my yard. I have tried large and small traps with no luck. A bird would explain everything because there is no breach in my fence. How do I discourage birds from flying into the garden?

Thanks again

Michael
Feb 06, 2011
 Keeping Birds Out of The Garden
by: Anonymous

I have heard of using old C.D.'s hanging them and they should twirl around flashing. I have tried hanging balls of aluminum foil it twirls around but it doesn't keep the squirrels out. I use a BB gun for the squirrels but it doesn't always work. My dog help chasing the birds and squirrels. Maybe there is something you can spray around the bed to keep the birds out. I'm going to try sprinkling crushed red pepper flakes around my plants, but if it rains you will have to apply it again. Maybe some of these ideas will work.
Feb 26, 2011
 something digging up your beds
by: Charlene

Don't know how big your beds are, but a "roof" might be in order. A light frame made out of plastic pipe with chicken wire should do it if the area to cover isn't too large.
Jul 11, 2011
 Looking of insects
by: Anonymous

The birds or even skunks will dig up a lawn or garden looking for grubs and other insects. I guess they thinks they are doing us a favor, but don'r understand they are damagind our plants.
Jul 12, 2011
 Bird Netting
by: Ellen

You need to get a roll of bird netting, put four or six stakes and put he bird net over it we use a staple gun. We had to use it over the chicken coop run to keep out the chicken hawks so I know it works. Good luck
Jul 12, 2011
 Thanks for all of your suggestions....
by: Michael

This only happens in the spring before my plants take over, so I'll have to wait for next Spring to give the suggestions a try!

Thanks again

Michael
Oct 06, 2016
 Turkeys digging holes NEW
by: Penny

Our neighbor has about 25 turkeys who regularly leave his sizeable property to come to our farm property, together with his large flock of ducks. The problem is that we are very afraid our horse will step in one of the holes and break her leg. Neighbor says his turkeys don't dig holes and they are free range, says that armadillos are at fault. ANY SUGGESTIONS?

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