Does gravel or larger rocks prevent predators from digging?

[ChickInDelight]

My (in-progress) duck house stands in a high traffic area, and I plan to put solar lights around it. If I put some gravel down a few inches in front of the walls, will that stop foxes and coons from digging under the walls?

What about larger rocks?

So far, no predator has dared enter my back yard that is only chicken-wired. I believe this is because of the lights and noise and people entering at all hours of the night. Mr. Fox did take one of my Pekins home to supper when the drake was left outside the gate.

 

[Alethea]

We put a wire skirt around the chickens' yard, staked it down and covered it with gravel. No one has penetrated it despite the fact that we have racoons here.

 

[ChickInDelight]

OOoohhhh. So a skirt lays on the ground. I thought I had to dig into the ground to install the wire. Thanks!!

 

[Ole and Lena]

The poll is to precise with "stop digging." Nothing except concrete will stop digging. I have found that trap rock (railroad ballast) backfilled with clay a few inches in a layer will definately discourage digging. My dog gives up after a few scratches and he likes to dig.

 

[RHRanch]

The gravel I have seems to make it waayyy to easy for rodents to dig, but seems to thwart the bigger preds. Go figure. lol

 

[Honeysucklefeathers]

Quote:
Exactly what we did. Does help.