Another New-bee Question

[woodmort]

Yup, it's inevitable whether you have chickens or not-mice, especially will come into any place they think they can find food. The only thing you can do is minimize it by keeping food in mouse proof containers, limit access to warm cubbie holes and employing a couple of chicken friendly but mouse hunting cats. Unfortunately we have 5 cats, 3 of which hunt outside but avoid the chicken area so they aren't much help. The worst thing are rats which will show up if food is left where they can get at it and they have fairly easy access to the chicken coop. Squirrels and chipmunks can be controlled by feeding inside.

 

[BookWorm243]

My chickens have been free ranging over a year now and I have not gotten any rodents yet. I do like to clean the coop as much as possible. I was going in once a day and cleaning up where I could but now with the colder weather I do 1 big clean once a week. I just have one of those plastic feeders you get at tractor supply and I out that in the yard with them when they go out.

Forgot to put in I do have One 12 year old cat.

 

[Farmergreen]

Set up a mouse feeding station. Then show it to the cats. LOL

From my experience if you raise any kind of animals from chickens all the way up to human kids you will have mice.
I have a lot of cats. All have been raised from kittens and never kept away form the animals. I have old Tom cats that sleep in the nests at night. Hens sure get upset if they don't get up early enough.

Yea rodents are a given from by prespective but as long as you keep it as clean as you can it's not a biggy. Just keep things dry water draws bugs I HATE BUGS hate hate hate yuk bugs!!! I can pet a rat I ain't pettin no Cock roach

 

[anoki]

You follks are awesome...all great information and advice. If I cull it down it seems that mice are the big issue and even those are controllable with regular cleaning and secure storage of food. I live in a suburb of NYC and know we have mice as they sometimes decide to overwinter in the garage. Squirrels, racoons, possum, chimmunks all around also so they don't worry me. My biggest concern was the possibility of rats but I didn't hear much about them so I am a bit relieved. I think it's be fine especially is I keep the feeders in the coop and free range with the run door closed. In addition, the neighbor's free ranging cats, which I have complained about until now, will probably help keep thing in check! Great...thanks again folks! My biggest concern now is finding a reasonable priced coop!!!

Be well everyone