The best way to get rid of a rabbit???
By reinydawn
@reinydawn (11643)
United States
June 17, 2009 7:20am CST
About a week ago, we found out that we had a rabbit in our garden. My husband has never had a garden before and has no clue how things can happen with it. He didn't realize that a rabbit - or other critter for that matter - could squeeze through the gaps in our fence around the yard. This fence is good for our dog, but small animals can get in and out of it easily. The only thing the rabbit is eating are the brussel sprouts, which were growing the best so far.
His idea was to get a pellet gun and shoot the rabbit. Or put a wire fence up around the garden. He opted for the pellet gun since he's the manly hunter and that would permanently get rid of the rabbit. So, the other night while we're out running around he stops by his son's and picks up a pellet gun. It's sitting in the kitchen waiting to see the rabbit and shoot it. Now, mind you, we are not home during the day, nor do we sleep outside in the yard. So, for about 3 hours a night while we're eating dinner or watching tv, this pellet gun is sitting in the kitchen waiting to see the rabbit and shoot it. Needless to say, the pellet gun did not do a very good job because last night while we were snuggled in bed, the rabbit ate up all by one brussel sprout plant.
I opted for the fence because it would keep ALL critters out, even while we weren't watching the garden! The fence could do the job of keeping the rabbit out while we weren't home, while we're sleeping, AND if one rabbit goes away (say because someone shot and killed it) it would ALSO keep the OTHER rabbits out...
I think we're getting a fence tonight since the pellet gun did not work out so well. Of course his new idea is to plow the whole thing under and start over next year. He's got other issues with the garden - it's become a bit of a "I told you so" that he's not happy hearing.
1 person likes this
5 responses
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
17 Jun 09
Rabbits are persistent little rodents! A fence is good, but is not enough unless you bury part of it underground. Rabbits tunnel! I've had that problem and bought some 1/4" wire and buried it about a foot down. I have problems with voles as well (they tunnel) and the small holes in that wire keep them out.
You don't have to bury it a foot down, though... just a few of inches, as long as you bend the fencing out about a foot, you can put it just a few inches underground. It'll completely confuse the rabbits, as they dig at the fence line to get under it and come across the part of the fencing that is horizontal. They'll give up and move to more hospitable pastures.
Good luck!
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
18 Jun 09
We have moles too, but I have only seen their holes in the front yard. I don't know that they've caught on to the garden in the back yet.
Thanks for the tip on the fence, I knew rabbits dug holes, but not about bending the fence! I'll keep you posted!
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
20 Jun 09
You are too funny!!! I love your comment up there :)
You go get those geese!!!
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
18 Jun 09
If it weren't for the fact that we were hoping to save a bit on the grocery bill by growing the food instead of buying it I really wouldn't mind. But that rabbit is costing me a bit of change here. Hey, maybe we can eat the rabbit????
@moondancer (7431)
• United States
17 Jun 09
Where there is one there is more. The only thing I can suggest is that you get a wire mesh and put it on the inside of your other fence to keep the rabbits out. They have wire that is for going around gardens to keep the critters out. You should be able to attach it to your existing fence. Good luck.
1 person likes this
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
18 Jun 09
That will most likely be one of our stops tonight. Hopefully it wont be raining tomorrow night and we can put it up before we go away for the weekend.
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
20 Jun 09
Eh, I don't really care about the whole killing a rabbit thing, I just think it's a stupid idea unless you are going to camp out there and wait for it - which he isn't going to do. And, there are going to be more than one rabbit so it would have be ongoing. A fence is much more practical.
@sideeffect11 (17)
• Brisbane, Australia
10 Jun 15
Fencing is the best option to choose to get rid of this problem.
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@johanau (1)
• Brisbane, Australia
15 Jul 15
Installing a fence is the best solution. I faced the same problem and had Fence Co install powder coated weldmesh fencing. Now we can all relax and wait for our brussel sprouts to be harvested.
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