Badger-proof feed stores, troughs and mineral licks
Feed store walls and doors should be secure and doors kept closed, especially at night, following the guidance for buildings at point 1.5. If you can’t stop badger visits to feed stores, consider other means of storing feed, for example in secure bins or silos. Silage clamps should be well covered and if possible, the face protected by electric fencing or other exclusion measures. If using electric fencing, strands of wire should be at 10, 15, 20 and 30 cm above the ground.
Badgers are likely to be attracted to feed troughs and mineral licks. Accessible feed may increase the likelihood of badgers coming into contact with cattle, either directly, or indirectly through excretions. Although it is difficult to completely exclude badgers from feed troughs and mineral licks, particularly when they are used at pasture, there are measures you can take to make these less attractive and more difficult for badgers to access. These include:
- When feeding cattle, only use the amount that is needed for the day, so that there won’t be any left for badgers at night.
- Clean troughs regularly to prevent residue build-up that may attract badgers.
- Raise feed troughs as high as possible while still allowing access for cattle. The troughs should have sheer sides and no footholds to make it difficult for badgers to gain access.
- Use holders to raise mineral licks as high as possible. These can be free standing with sheer sides and no footholds, attached to gates or suspended from trees. They can be ‘home-made’ or are available commercially to buy.
- Placing feed on the ground at pasture is an open invitation to badgers and should be avoided as a method of feeding cattle. It is good practice to also keep your farm free from spilt and waste feed.