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- #71
You're welcome, and certainly didn't mean to get off subject. Some prefer heavier, more docile breeds for ease of handling. I think it is best for newer folks who may not have covered yards.
I wouldn't encourage chickens to control rodent populations unless you don't mind doctoring sick chickens. Cholera, E. Coli, and intestinal worms are but a few nasty problems which rodents perpetuate, and can plague your flock. Birds find lizards, bugs, and mice on range at times, and that is nature, but I wouldn't encourage it. Bait blocks in locking box traps work wonders in controlling rat populations around the barn, Rampage bait blocks made by Motomco are a safer bait. Poison pellets can be spread around, while bait blocks stay in the trap, so mice and rats must enter the trap to feed. Even a few good barn cats take care of business. Picking up all feed and containers at the end of the day also prevents rodents.
The "mousing help" is just a good chase...I never expected nor wanted them to actually eat them...I am fully aware of the disease one rodent contains. However, my house cat who has never caught a rat in his life eliminated our household/garage problem just with his mere presence, watchful alertness, and willingness to put up a good chase or two. We just watched his behavior and figured out where they were getting in (by watching where he was interested then investigating and blocking that weak area)....having an alert patrol in the animal kingdom can do a lot to aid your lookout.
I do all the right protocols for rodent control...my neighborhood is cursed with rats...mostly due to various neighbors not controlling better....so my best plan is to trap and kill and worry and harrass...I found when I make it miserable enough on my property they go back to the neighbors
Lady of McCamley