How to Keep Rats Out of Your Coop

[happyhen101]

I live in the city, and even though I haven't had rats in my coop yet, I'm worried they might somehow come in and hurt my chickens. They might kill my pullets, and could badly scratch my hens. Can someone give me ideas on how to keep rats out of my coop?

 

[Eggcessive]

According to my friend who is an exterminator, there are 2 main types of rat. One is a vegetarian and the other is a meat eater. The meat eaters can get up on roofs and get in any hole anywhere. Most people have the common brown rat that is looking for chicken feed. Using 1/2 inch hardware cloth on your coop and run will help, but if you see signs of rats you may have to use poison, glue traps, or regular traps. Just make sure they are placed where the chickens can't get into them.

 

[happyhen101]

I'm going to try what you said and see if it will work. Thanks!

 

[animals1981]

for rats i just use this

 

[redsoxs]

I X2 what eggcessive said...hardware cloth!

 

[roostersandhens]

i have mice in my coop you think those ae a problem? i heard chickens can get sick if the mice eat their food!