I think I have some rats

[kiddobear39]

Hello my name is Kim the past couple of nights that I have went to put my chickens up for the nite there was either a big mouse or a rat in there and scared me. We have never had them in there before now that I know of now I know that they are there I am scared that they are going to kill my chicken or hurt them. The thing I am wondering about or asking about is does anyone know how or what I can do to get rid of the rats or very large mouse out of my chicken coop cause I have baby chick coming soon that will be going to be going out there and I don't want to loose any of they or my other chickens as well so Please if anyone know Please let me know thank you very much if there is stuff I need to buy supplies I need to get let me know as well again thank you very much

 

[Judy]

There are plenty of threads in this forum (Predators and pests) about rats and mice. You can use traps, putting them in a weighted shoebox or some similar setup so the chickens can't get to them. Same thing with bromadiolone (Just One Bite, and other brands) which is relatively harmless if the chickens eat the mouse. Which the chickens will, if they see one during daylight.

For adult chickens, the main problem is rats and mice can eat a lot of feed. Of course they can carry diseases in their poop as well. Usually they won't attack the chickens, particularly if there is feed or tasty bait in a trap available.

If you saw one or two mice, you can bet there are plenty more around, and they will multiply. I think I'd make sure that's the animal I saw, though.