That is funny!
I collect bird cages (I even have HH looking now!) and take the bottom off them and use those for protection from above ground varmints like chipmunks and mice (make sure you get the ones with small spaced bars, or put hardware cloth around the lower part).
I've also got pocket gophers this year - they ate all my garlic during the winter! I got maybe three that made it. I don't know what to do about those, except get a Jack Russel terrier!
