Are rats dangerous to chickens?

[rottdog]

Hey rizq...
have you tried "Comfortis" for fleas ? its the best thing i've found and it comes in a monthly pill. I tried it on my rottweilers and you could see the fleas start to die within 20-30 minutes.
i used to use frontline but got tired of it washing off. i've only bought one pack for 2 rotties (3 month supply)since January and still no fleas...mike

 

[rizq]

Quote:
No, I have never heard of it. A lot of things made my Lhasa itch, but a pill probably would not. As it is right now, we are having to rehome our dogs due to family medical and resulting financial situation. I am unable to help the family and properly care for my dogs

But anyway ... I will definitely keep that in mind if the need arises in the future. Thank you for the suggestion

 

[shelleyd2008]

Hi there, I haven't read through all the posts, but I for one know that they can and will harm the chickens, if given the chance. You can make a trap that is non-toxic out of a 5-gallon bucket and some water. Not the prettiest site to see, but they work. Here's a link to the instructions

Mouse trap Obviously, this should also work for rats, unless you have some monster ones like we did in Florida!

Here's a link to a post made by FrenchHen on some 'poison' you can also try Peanut Butter poison This should be effective as well, but you'd have to watch your other animals don't get it.

 

[EweSheep]

Riz, here is the rat poison I highly recommend!

http://www.farmandfleet.com/catalog/product.aspx?i=298253&h=090205003

Be prepared to get some "ripe" rats in a few days.

 

[stethomps]

I have 3 letters I would like to express: C. A. T. ; you have to control the rodents. Everone has voiced this well, Rats are bad: disease, flees, mites, & parasites, they will soil your feed, and eventually they will be out of control. They multiple very rapidly. Having litters every 2 months, and their off spring reach sexual maturity in as little as 6 weeks. Just do the math 2 Rats could equal 1000's in no time! Were I am at, it gets pretty cold in the winter, and once the weather breaks, they will definately try to get indoors. And that brings with it a whole nother level of icky.

If it were me I: First you have to get a cat (a good ol fashion barn cat), you can find them free all over the place. But as a superstition, (that is true!) never take a free animal...pay a buck or something for it. Second you have to do something with the ones you see now...traps vs poison...personally I'd do both. Buy a pellut gun if you want, but get them now before it gets ugly.

And even with cats, if I see a mouse of rat, I will set out poison. You brought up a good point, watch your dog because they will definately get into it, so try to place it were only the rodent can get to it.

 

[stethomps]

Quote:
Yes, I saw that...Their were these 20 lbs African prairie rats found in FL. They were calling them Ratzillas. Amazing the feral animals that not only survie but thrive in FL.

 

[rizq]

Quote:

And I thought ours were big!!

Thanks EweSheep

I will try that kind if I can find it. Maybe it will get rid of the boogers faster!

 

[allmypeeps]

for those relying on their cats to be mighty hunters/beheaders of all things rodent....

just remember that your cats can catch and transmit these ratty diseases such as toxoplasmosis as well as fleas unless protected with flea preventative. Fleas also cause tape worms. All a cat has to do is injest a flea when they groom themselves. Tape worms require a much expensive praziquantel wormer.

I would seriously stick to the traps that kill the fastest and least threatening to the other pets, not that I like to see things die- hope I dont ever come back as a RAT!

never had to deal with a rodetn population. Hope I never do.

good luck
e

 

[theswede]

I am here to tell you, rats will kill any of your chickens and their eggs. They will burrow under the foundation of whatever they are kept in, and will nest underground just like a mouse. Not their favorite place but they go where the food is at! I had them burrow under my barn foundation just to get to the horse and chicken feed. Then they wanted more and went after my chicks, even my Roos!! I had what was known as Norweigen Rats, big as cats!! So don't rely on your kitties. Besides bait, use traps, and keep a gun handy (out of little ones eyesite). And don't expect them to be gone just because you don't see them for a while, they just moved away from the bad area. Rats are not stupid!!!

 

[stethomps]

Quote:
I agree, and I hope everyone who has "working" cats includes them with their other animals and livestocks health maintenance schedules. Deworming and Flee and Tick preventatives should be included with this.