Serious anti rabbit suggestions please

[ukmastiff]

Does anyone know a successfull way of ridding my paddock of rabbits apart from dressing up in camo like some rambo impersonator and creeping round at night with a gun ( im not keen on that).

I would particularly like an animal that I could have live in the paddock that ate or chased rabbits. Any suggestions re this would be good.

I did think of a tame fox (joke) but you know what they say about wouldnt keep a fox to guard the chickens ( I have ducks) As for my Mastiffs , great for chasing poachers/burglars but rabbitts no chance.

Seriously though I really would like to be rid of the rabbits who desimated my 1st years veg. I already have an electric fence for the ducks but to do a large veg patch as well would be a lot of expense and on uneven ground it isnt easy to get it right either.

Cheers Mas

[Two_Sheds]

1) an enclosed veg patch, with wire fence buried in the ground
2) Jack Russells on guard

[sarraceniac]

1) an enclosed veg patch, with wire fence buried in the ground
2) Jack Russells on guard

Or delete Jack Russels and substitute Staffordshire Bulls. Good for rats too.

[lez]

Fully understand your problem and frustration. If possible it is best to fence the whole area and extend the net out uder the ground to prevent digging under it and at least five foot high. Rabbits are among the most houdini type animal you can find. If using a fence put soot around the edges as rabbits don't like getting thier fur all yeukky. Get some one with ferrets to call and pop the warren. I did read on another web site (kitchen garden) the use of ferrets poo kept rabbits at bay this year. I have also heard of a product called renadine I think that you put round the area but needs replacing after heqavy rain and is expensive. Fencing is the way, costly but will pay for itself. Rabbits will also knaw at it so you have to be watchful for small holes. I had a mate who would go shoot for me and flog them on to a butcher and he said they will climb and in three hours shot 19 on the previous plot I had. A fence kept them out fairly well and my border collies would chase a bit they could not be there 24hrs a day. Initial outlay is high but fencing and someone with a ferret is the way to go. Don't want to paint a black picture but they are difficult to deal with and you can't afford to be soft. Good luck.

[Alice]

Sorry Mastiff, but if you really want to be rid of the rabbits fence them out and kill the ones that are already there is the only way.

[ukmastiff]

Cheers , im not suprised by the replies as they are all the things I would basically do but I was looking for good new ideas if you see what I mean. I have started a pig wire fence for rigidity and will chicken wire all of it shortly. I think I may have to add a bit of electric just as a deterent maybe a small energizer and some tape but im hoping to avoid buying again. My electric fence around the pond for the ducks has been 100 percent effective but it was a lot of money.

I would have a jack russell or a staff except I cant stand them , a few harris hawks would be rahter appealing but I really have enough animals unless they are pretty much maintenence free :P

I would have bought an air rifle as an extra but they are also very expensive especially since web sales were banned thus knocking all of the perfectly good dodgy imports out of the market.

Wish me luck

Mas

[brooklynodog]

Some fishing tackle shops sell reasonably priced air guns

[Dobby]

was in parkers garden center last week they had a water sprayer if a cat or rabbit passes it shouts a jet of water at it and it gets wet
carnt rember what its called.

[coreopsis]

Some of my flowers were eaten by rabbits.They left tulips and daffs untouched,but if they start munching on them,I'll bring some gorse bush and put it on the ground.Works well with cats(they don't fancy stepping on that).Have a look in your place-we've got lots of this stuff growing around.

[Polly Fouracre]

Or delete Jack Russels and substitute Staffordshire Bulls. Good for rats too.

Nothing better than a whippet!

[wildone_uk]

hi,
the only way to rid yourself of them is i am sad to say shoot them please do not use
dogs i have heard the screems of rabbits being killed by dog and i think this you would
have pretty sick to enjoy it,your local gun shop could probley put you in touch with
someone,hope this helps, laurie

[ukmastiff]

No chance of me using dogs ? have you seen what breed I keep. More chance of them catching a cold, thats the problem !

Mas

[FB.]

Does anyone know a successfull way of ridding my paddock of rabbits apart from dressing up in camo like some rambo impersonator and creeping round at night with a gun ( im not keen on that).

I would particularly like an animal that I could have live in the paddock that ate or chased rabbits. Any suggestions re this would be good.

I did think of a tame fox (joke) but you know what they say about wouldnt keep a fox to guard the chickens ( I have ducks) As for my Mastiffs , great for chasing poachers/burglars but rabbitts no chance.

Seriously though I really would like to be rid of the rabbits who desimated my 1st years veg. I already have an electric fence for the ducks but to do a large veg patch as well would be a lot of expense and on uneven ground it isnt easy to get it right either.

Cheers Mas

Most rabbits are too quick for a fox.
The only effective controls are:

1.
Plough the field to dirt and deprive them of their food.

2.
Gas them.

3.
Shoot them.

4.
Ferret them.

5.
Install a fence that goes 2ft below ground and at least 2ft high.

I do pest control for local farmers - mostly rabbits. To get the rabbits under control, you usually need considerable practice, experience and skill - plus the money to buy some decent shooting gear (don't buy cheap Chinese-made stuff!).

I'm not really close enough to offer assistance, but I know plenty of other shooters/ferreters (via a shooting "grapevine" such as this) that I could put in contact with you (or give you their contact details). Most won't be looking to charge you any fees, so long as they get to take the rabbits back for dinner.

Drop me a PM if you want me to find a responsible shooter in your area.

[FB.]

.....and to show how serious I am about my pest-control, here is a picture of one of my anti-rabbit guns with a nightvision sight:

[brooklynodog]

Crikey! That is serious!