What’s eating my flowers?

Question

I recently planted some marigolds, (the small starter size) and within 2-3 days, something had eaten all the leaves. Whatever it is then started in on the petunia leaves – the other starter set that I had just planted. Any ideas what is eating these plants? We have a lot of snails in our yard and also rabbits in our area – though we have installed extra fencing to keep them out and I don’t see any droppings. (We also checked the fencing and blocked a few possible entry points.) I have now put out snail bait but I’m hesitant to replant before I know what I’m battling! Any ideas?

• 
• 
• 
• 

Answer 1

That appears to to, either, bird or squirrel damage. I will include two articles that will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/birds-eating-seedlings.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/get-rid-squirrels.htm