Cheeky Chipmunk

[Kubotabear]

I saw a chipmunk in the chicken yard the other day. He was flitting about grabbing a bite of grain and feed on the ground.

The hens were busy elsewhere, but I saw the rooster look right at it and did nothing. I was under the impression chickens would go after small rodents in addition to bugs and worms, etc.

Do I need to be concerned of them sharing the area? We live pretty far out on wooded acreage. There is no way I'd be able to keep rodents or other small critters out of their yard. I do keep their feed in plastic bins that have lids other than what's in the chicken's feeder.

 

[azygous]

Some cut throat chickens will chase down and kill and eat rodents. Yours sound like my flock. Too pampered to be bothered.

You're correct that you have limited control over these pesky critters, but they pose minimal risk to your chickens.

 

[glassdragonfly]

My flock never bother the chipmunks -snakes,mice,sparrows,cats,frogs they will attack.Haven't figured out why they leave the chipmunks alone.

 

[PirateGirl]

The biggest concern is your food bill skyrocketing as more chipmunks realize there's a free meal to be had. Also you mention that the feed is in plastic containers, as temperatures drop, food becomes scarce and rodents are known to gnaw into all kinds of things for a good meal. I think about finding a better way to store food before winter. Another concern is for yourself and any other furry pets that you have as rodents can carry all manner of diseases.