Best way to catch rats in the coop?

[PuffMommy]

there are now rats in the coop. we have a coop with a run but i leave the door(s) open so the girls can get in and out while they free range...i guess that's how the whole problem started. this morning i checked the nest boxes for eggs and found a rat. what do i do now?
i got a small have-a-heart trap but it's not catching anything.

 

[@migocontodos~]

If you keep feed down for your chickens all the time, first thing I'd do would be remove the feed so that the rats will have to look for food elsewhere. (rat bait)
Of course you have to put the bait down and secure it where your chickens can't get to it. I place the bait in a bowl and put a milk crate over it. If you can place this outside the run coop of course it will be better and it will allow the rodent access to the new food you are providing!
For me..this works everytime. I just have to be on the look out for the rodent when it comes out and I find it hardly moving.