Something attacking my seedlings

[Aquaman]

I have some trays outside containing oak, liquidambar, maple and elm seedlings.

Recently something has been digging up the seedlings and laying them on the surface of the soil. The seedlings are not getting eaten, just dug up. But I think some un-germinated acorns are missing as there are some holes in the soil.

I replanted all the seedlings at the weekend and a few days later they have all been dug up again.

I have seen possums in the area so they are definitely a suspect, but the damage is quite delicate, so I am thinking maybe mice or rats. Also the trays are on the ground and I read that possums don't like being on the ground.

Anyone got any ideas what might be doing it?......and any ideas for prevention?

Chicken wire is the only thing I can think of, but it would be good to know what the enemy is before I build defenses.

[mtarros]

I had the same issue when I had trays of black pine, it will be mice.

I did put them in a greenhouse but they got in, I eventually made cages with wood and small chicken wire so nothing could get in and it did the trick.

[shibui]

Mice and rats will usually eat either the seedlings or the seed. it is possible they could be digging them up but I would suspect birds. They especially like to explore very young seedlings, maybe thinking they are grubs? If your damage happens at night suspect mice or rats, if it is the daytime the birds is more likely. Either way small bird netting should stop it happening.

[Ray M]

Hi Aquaman,
Do you have any Bandicoots in your area? They like to dig holes.

Regards Ray

[Aquaman]

I think rats and mice are now the main suspect. They may be eating seeds - there were a lot of seeds in these trays.

I will build a cage for the seedlings at the weekend.

I have never seen a bandicoot in the area, but there may be some about.

Thanks all for your feedback.

I wish I had one of those cameras that detects movement and is automatically triggered.