Cock(erel)s = rat control?

[Perris]

I have not seen rats about my feeding station since the autumn. This coincides in time with chicks growing into two young cocks (there is also a mature roo in the flock). My question for those with experience of these things is, is it just a lucky coincidence, or is it causal? Are cocks rat deterrents/ exterminators in a free range environment?

 

[sourland]

I've never known them to be so, but

 

[Howard E]

Highly unlikely. Rats could operate freely...and usually do....at night when the birds are no threat to them.

Birds might be at minor threat to some mice.....but not rats.

If your rats were there before and are gone now, there is something else going on.

 

[TelfTheElf]

They would protect the flock...but probably wouldn't fight a rat just coz its eating the food.
But it might be really clever cockerel...and a good guy to have around!!!

 

[paneubert]

Classic quote required. "Correlation does not imply causation." But still great news about the lack of rats.