| Archive for Downsizer For an ethical approach to consumption |
| tiggy |
Badger damageThe local allotment site is suffering food theft and produce damage by badgers. Any body know how to deter them, what do they really dislike, what would make them go bother somewhere else.My neighbour and his fellow allotmenteers have flooding and casual yoof vandalism to put up with as well.Badgers in WR1 is a bit of a revelation but theyre still a problem.Anybody else dealt with this and if so how ? |
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| Brownbear |
Fencing is your only legal option. Strong wire, dug 2-3 feet into the ground, and about four feet above it. | ||||
| vegplot |
they don't like human urine | ||||
| gil |
What kind of wire ? Are we talking rabbit net, or something stronger ? What size holes/squares ? Or plain wires ? |
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| TAVASCAROW |
I don't know the legality of using it in a public space but 2 strands of energised wire 6 inches apart is very effective. | ||||
| Brownbear |
Until it gets shorted out and the buggers stampede in like something out of Night of the Zombie Vermin. Sturdy 25mm rabbit wire should do the trick - don't skimp, buy good stuff and it'll last 20 years rather than the cheap Chinese stuff that rusts through in 5. Keep a clear area outside so there's no cover for the beggars to start digging. Any holes that they do start, fill in with earth and bits of iron etc. Nothing sharp that might injure the poor loves. |
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| Blacksmith |
My sweetcorn was trampled by "badgers". 
I wonder if the word badger is another word for yoof ? |
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| Calli |
Brilliant - bet the idea gets snapped up 
Can't we just capture them in a fluffy crate, tag them and relocate them to suitable urban petting farms? |
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| woodsprite |
I sympathise, we are currently loosing ducks to a badger and I can honestly say, after keeping poultry all of my life and in all types of run/freerange etc, that there is very little that will keep them out if they are determined to get in. 
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| mihto |
On a more serious note. The following is copied from
http://www.promedmail.org Bovine TB outbreak in Welsh goats --------------------------------- Cases of bovine tuberculosis (TB) have been found in goats in Carmarthenshire. The Welsh Assembly Government confirmed the outbreak and said it knew of a similar case in England, but it is not clear if they are linked. The disease in goats is "unusual," and animal health officials are checking to see if it has spread to other herds. The latest TB cases came as some MPs and AMs [Assembly Members] urged the Assembly government to halt plans to cull badgers, which are known to spread TB to cattle. Farmers' groups believe a cull of badgers would stem a rise in cases. |
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| mochyn |
I'm with BB's fencing idea. As well as going down a good distance bring the mesh out at right angles on the bottom of a trough with the vertical on the 'inside'. Come out by about 12". Gives a bit of extra protection. We use stock proof fencing above the ground to 3' and rabbit-proof for the lower section and below ground level. | ||||
| tiggy |
Thanks for replies,I will pass them on .I suspect that as this lot are urban and live near pubs that human urine may not bother them but it is still worth a try. the fencing is a big investment but there is a plan to stop them getting under the gate to the site .The TB aspect is worrying too | ||||
| Calli |
No no no...honestly its a different strain altogether. Smoking causes far more damage - just ask Amy Winehouse 
Besides it is not proven that they are even carriers of TB |
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| tiggy |
Calli, You are right about smoking and as for Amy W well words fail me.The badger TB thing is sad and is causing untold misery to humans and animals, Cows dont smoke or at least not live four legged ones but 2 legs? | ||||
| mihto |
We are talking about Mycobacterium bovis, commonly known as cattle tuberculosis. If British scientific research, published in 2007 by the Chief Scientific Adviser Sir David King, is to be taken seriously, I'm afraid we cannot rule out TB transmission from bagers to cattle (certain) and goats (possible). The publication can be found in the following link: http://www.dius.gov.uk/publications/Expert%20advice%20on%20badgers%20and%20cattle%20TB.pdf The culling of badgers is advocated in areas with a rise in cattle TB. The risk of TB infection to humans is not implied. |
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| Loum |
Badgers are protected but this may give you some information as to how you can deter them
http://www.nfbg.org.uk/_Attachments/Resources/55_S4.pdf |
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| tiggy |
It turns out that somebody on the allotments is feeding the badgers with bananas and other treats,they also feed the pigeons! so I dont think anything our friend does is going to deter mr B and his mates. I found the info interesting as they are obviously nearer neighbours than I expected in a city. |