I spy with my two eyes... RATS

[Drk_Wlf]

We have about 20 feral cats around my house (all of them fixed and kept well fed by my neighbor) while they like to watch my chickens I have never had a problem with them attacking them. A cat or two (fixed, the world doesn't need anymore kittens) or a small dog (terriers are the best rat dogs) is your best bet if you don't want to use poison.

 

[Chickarina]

I have wrestled with this issue for a while and after much research finally found something called a Ratzapper online. It supposedly electrocutes the rats in such a quick manner that they supposedly never knew what hit 'em and then you just slide the little carcasses wherever: easy cleanup. And you could put the trap where the squirrels don't have access? A space too small for them? I haven't set this thing out yet because it still creeps me out but can let you know once I have, which should be in the next few days or so.

 

[Black Cochin Bantams]

If you will not poison them they will overrun the place. Safe bait stations can be made that allow poison to be used outside or in the coop. Keep all food stored in metal containers with lids and put up the poultry food at night. Good luck.

 

[ga_goat]

I use ultrasonic transmitters , just runs the off , if they are gone they ain't bothering me , got mine at tractor supply , havn't seen a rat/mouse in months . I guess they went back next door where they came from .