Infestation - mice / pack rats

[cmom]

I had a severe rat infestation in a coop. After I moved the birds and started renovating the coop the rats poured out from everywhere. There were dozens of rats, too many to trap. I resorted to using poison. I used the rat bait bars in a rat bait box. The only critter that can get to the bait is the rats and mice. The bait box I have has a little window above the bait so it can be checked regularly. I keep it loaded and haven't had any activity in a long time. I also had tunnels around the coops. I didn't find dead rats laying around. I suspect they went into their tunnels and died. I put the bait boxes in our barn which is right behind the coops. The rats found them. Good luck with whatever you do.

 

[sloanbychoice]

I had a severe rat infestation in a coop. After I moved the birds and started renovating the coop the rats poured out from everywhere. There were dozens of rats, too many to trap. I resorted to using poison. I used the rat bait bars in a rat bait box. The only critter that can get to the bait is the rats and mice. The bait box I have has a little window above the bait so it can be checked regularly. I keep it loaded and haven't had any activity in a long time. I also had tunnels around the coops. I didn't find dead rats laying around. I suspect they went into their tunnels and died. I put the bait boxes in our barn which is right behind the coops. The rats found them. Good luck with whatever you do.
View attachment 2038356View attachment 2038357

So there isn’t a concern that a poisoned one will come out where chickens or other animals could eat it?

 

[sloanbychoice]

@50-45-1
I just made one.
We’ll see how this works.
Thanks!!

 

[sloanbychoice]

@50-45-1
Ok, what did I do wrong?
Every bit of peanut butter is licked clean, but not one mouse in the bucket.
Did I just have it turned the wrong way?
I think maybe they were able to reach it from the plank, but how did they get the can that close to the plank?

 

[50-45-1]

Does the can spin freely?
We have to figure out how to keep the can in the center of the wire.
One idea i have is if your wire is thin enough you could press a couple split-shot (those led weights you use on your fishing line) on each end of the can to keep it from walking out of center.
i got 2 in my bucket i keep in the garage.

 

[cmom]

I tried the bucket and didn't have even one rat go in it. This is my coop that was infested. I had walls around the bottom of the coop and the rats got in them and made nests as well as a ceiling we had put in. I removed the walls and took out the ceiling. Dozens of rats of all sizes poured out. It was the first coop we built. Live and learn. I had no dead rats around. I'm pretty sure they went into the tunnels and died. Everyday I checked the bait in the bait boxes. At first they were being eaten on but after awhile less and less. I put the bait boxes in our barn which is right behind the coops. I still keep the bait boxes baited but haven't seen any activity in quite a long time, nor have I had to replace the baits.

 

[50-45-1]

So i am thinking a bucket for mice would have to be built differently for rats.
If you have rats they have a much longer reach.
They may be able to latch hold on the bucket edge with their hind feet and pull the can to the side and lick the bait off.
You may need a bigger (deeper) bucket.
Dont know, but i wish you had a trail cam with video aimed at that bucket tonight to see what is getting to it.
Also, is this spot inaccesable to racoons? If it was racoons tho they would tip the bucket on its side.
These buckets are deadly on mice. I hope we can figure this out!

 

[sloanbychoice]

@50-45-1
I so appreciate your help!!

Yes, the can spins very freely.
And that’s a great idea!!
We have lots of tackle, and I’m certain we have those split shots. I’ll try it!!

Also, we don’t have true rats, that I have ever seen. We do have two pack rats, but I’m not too worried about them yet, as they have no incentive to mess with my girls.

I’m pretty sure it was mice getting to that PB, and I’m actually kind of glad. This set the stage, I believe, as now they know where to go to get it.
They’re in for a surprise tonight, though. I’m gonna try your idea!!

Thanks immensely!!

 

[50-45-1]

Just a thought...
i wonder if it would make it more difficult for them to figure out, if the ramp is not in-line with the wire. Make them take the leap...
(Sorry about my drawing skills)

 

[sloanbychoice]

Just a thought...
i wonder if it would make it more difficult for them to figure out, if the ramp is not in-line with the wire. Make them take the leap...
(Sorry about my drawing skills)
View attachment 2039276

That’s exactly what I was thinking!! I think my way allowed them to reach out to it and still hang on. I’m going to try this way now, with the split shot.