A century of Turkey talk 2000-2100.

[JRNash]

Look for a hole going into the ground or under something in the coop.That's where you'll find the RATS

 

[JRNash]

The ones I get here get the size of squirrels. I'm not killing any snakes

 

[rjohns39]

I actually have the brooder in the wood shop. Its the back half of the barn and has a concrete floor. I've got 1/2" welded wire a foot in under the walls and all the way up the walls, with 1/4" welded wire on top. I start with 18" of bedding and then add several bags for each new hatch. I haven't seen the rat for quite a while but I know he's still there. He still moves things around. Although he's moved his nest. I suspect starting a fire in his last nest was a message. He nested in my wood stove. This guy is pretty big... At least 8" long, not counting tail and FAT!

 

[Molpet]

folks,

I'd like a second opinion. Forgive the mess in my barn, but this new visitor is interesting. Crisis of conscious I guess... I know that I have a rat in the barn, I've armor plated my brooder in the barn against said rat, who is still too smart for me to catch or kill. That said, I found this guy in the barn and he's still there. I vote for Rat Snake--but would defer to more expert opinions than mine. Problem is: Rat Snake (aka Chicken Snake) is a threat to my brooder. I don't think he can get in and am hoping he removes the rat--but watching closely. Looking for your thoughts on this guy.View attachment 555400

I'm w/JR... rather have a snake than a destructive rat

 

[JRNash]

It ain't alone. Sounds like a norway. Rat. They travel in colonies. I just had to dig one out of my attic that got a good dose of poison. After it still smelled horrible I tore out the insulation and found 5 more. With tail they averaged 8 to 12 inchs

 

[rjohns39]

After I bought the pellet gun, haven't seen him for quite a while. But I know he's still around. I'm pretty certain he's living in the walls. He refuses to eat the poison and he avoids all traps. Last time I saw him, I missed by an inch or so. Now when I open the door I can hear him scurry, but can't find him.

Maybe if I'm lucky the snake will take care of him and his family.

 

[Molpet]

bucket trap if no stock loose in area

After I bought the pellet gun, haven't seen him for quite a while. But I know he's still around. I'm pretty certain he's living in the walls. He refuses to eat the poison and he avoids all traps. Last time I saw him, I missed by an inch or so. Now when I open the door I can hear him scurry, but can't find him.

Maybe if I'm lucky the snake will take care of him and his family.

 

[JRNash]

My daughter said something about a bucket!!

 

[R2elk]

bucket trap if no stock loose in area

I don't know how well this would work for rats but it should be very effective for mice.

Bucket trap

 

[JRNash]

I think my rats ate the mice