Rabbits

[Gr8tfuldad]

So I have started taking some of annual veggie beds in the back garden and planting small 1-3 year old trees. My plan is to grow them in the ground to thicken them up. Today I noticed 1 JM and 1 Trident chopped. I believe it was the rabbit, that took the design of them in his own hands. I try and follow a permaculture style of growing for perennial and annual fruit and vegetables production. With that said, despite the cat eating one earlier in the season, yes the dog helped, I don’t want to kill him. I don’t want to erect additional fencing, as they have a part to play too, however, I wish to keep designing to my discretion. Maybe chicken wire cages made to incase the young trees? Sprays and dust become a hassle. Trap and relocate? Cruel to do in winter? Anyone else got other ideas?

Also, how long is everyone keeping their seedlings in the pot before putting them in the ground? After the Rabbit massacre of 2021, it has me thinking I might want to grow the seedlings out a bit before moving to the ground.
Thanks as always for your advice.
Happy Thanksgiving

 

[Lorax7]

A fellow club member recommended wrapping copper mesh around the trunk to keep rodents from chewing the bark on my maples. So, I’m trying that now, although the damage is already done on some of the trees. I don’t think I have to worry about losing any of the trees that were chewed on. I’m just concerned about what the scarring will look like. Whether the copper mesh is sufficient to defend against a rabbit with their greater vertical reach, I don’t know.

 

[Katie0317]

I named a giant rabbit in our yard Bonsai because he keeps everything trimmed and clipped so neatly. We have to keep orchids and bonsai out of his reach. I have to admit to liking him despite what he's done to my garden. He's so beautiful and funny to watch. I've considered chicken wire though on a few things.
I only have the one big rabbit though but where's there's one there must be more. I just can't help but enjoy him. Good luck with chicken wire though it wouldn't stop a squirrel.

 

[Divide_by_zero]

Any rabbit that comes into my yard is automatically named Stewart. Love me some hosenfeffer.

 

[AJL]

If you're bothered by rabbits and other rodents you can simply install tree guards - theyre desighed specifically for protecting young trees from attack, also provide some protection from strimmer damage and herbicide drift
Most farm and garden suppliers sell them. There are many different types available - and not expensive . The mesh types can be recycled later and cut up for covering the drain holes in your bonsai pots!

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

I use metal mesh domes with a 5mm mesh size.
Secure them in the ground with some chopsticks or tent herrings.

I'm planning on using it as a pot cover too because the bird just drag nylon mesh off. They're getting smarter by the year, and these genetically freaked blackbirds make five(!) nests a year, with their young doing the same.
Having the only green oasis in a city block has its downsides.

 

[DavidBoren]

There are several around here... this is the one I have seen the most lately...

 

[Cajunrider]

Today is the day for any rabbit left in my backyard to vacate the premises. I have relocated them but others came in more and more. They dig under the fence and come in. They have eaten the buds off my oaks and defoliate my Chinese elms.

I spotted two this morning. I put down extra repellent all over the yard. If they are not gone by this evening, there is no room in this inn for them I am afraid.
But but there is room in my meat freezers.