Are rats dangerous?!!

[lilmillefleur]

What breed and how old?

 

[Ozkan]

What breed and how old?

Hi fully grown 7 inches silkies

 

[TelfTheElf]

i would probably make a roost for the cuties and exterminate rats asap!!
Also do use plenty of hardware cloth...it works!!!

 

[JaeG]

Thought mites were species specific?
Like.... avian mites would not be living on a mammal.

They are not in fact solely bird specific and have a number of potential hosts:
http://www.poultrydvm.com/condition/poultry-red-mites

 

[Ozkan]

i would probably make a roost for the cuties and exterminate rats asap!!
Also do use plenty of hardware cloth...it works!!!

Hi today In the leaves of my garden in a dark area covered by trees I found 3 holes with poos in. Would that be rats? Thanks

 

[lena_]

It is normal for silkies to pile up on the ground whilst they sleep. Rats are VERY dangerous, they kill chickens, eat eggs and spread diseases. I would recommend putting hardware cloth (Or square wire) all the way around your chickens run, even on the bottom of your run. Could you take a picture of your chickens coop/run and post it here? That will help us know what advice to give you.

 

[Ozkan]

It is normal for silkies to pile up on the ground whilst they sleep. Rats are VERY dangerous, they kill chickens, eat eggs and spread diseases. I would recommend putting hardware cloth (Or square wire) all the way around your chickens run, even on the bottom of your run. Could you take a picture of your chickens coop/run and post it here? That will help us know what advice to give you.

10ft by 10ft dog run

 

[lilmillefleur]

Yes, those holes are easy for a rat to climb through. x2 on the hardware cloth.

 

[Ozkan]

Yes, those holes are easy for a rat to climb through. x2 on the hardware cloth.

Hi will they attack during the day? Will my roosters do anything? Thanks

 

[lilmillefleur]

Hi will they attack during the day? Will my roosters do anything? Thanks

I don't think they'd attack during the day, but I don't have experience with rats. Only know what keeps them out.
Good luck.