HELP...packrats?

[BrownSheep]

I just saw a packrat in my "coop"... It's not their chickens regular place but their in there right now do to massive thunderstorms. Should I worry about the pack rat?

 

[Imp]

Quote:
If you are talking a real packrat, then the danger is low.

The diet of packrats is pretty specific for certain species. For example, the bushy-tailed woodrats feed primarily on green vegetation, twigs, and shoots. A Mexican packrat will feed on seeds, fruits, acorns, and cactus. Then of course packrats are influenced by the things that humans may have in their cabinets or barns.[4]

But I have heard that term refer to all different kinds of rats. Then yes rats are a threat to chickens. Usually in groups

Imp​

 

[southerndesert]

We have them here in AZ in large numbers and yes they will steal food from the feeders or where stored if available, but they can really mess up anywhere they decide to make a nest...

The normal rat is what gives us the most trouble and would steal eggs or nibble on our chickens when roosting, or used to. We got rid of all rats, pack and otherwise with one bite rat poison years ago and replace when eaten. Sometimes bait will go months here now without a nibble until some new rats make their way here from the horse ranch across the way.