Is it ok to ignore mice in run? (Update post #30 problem solved)

[ChickensAreSweet]

I have numerous mouse holes in the large garden where the chickens roam. I know they are mouse holes, because the little buggers fearlessly come out and look at me!!!

I tried pouring large amounts of water with a hose down the holes, and it never seemed to fill up on some of them. Is it ok to leave these guys around? I remove all food at the end of the day.

What kind of bad things could happen if I leave them alive (don't put out traps)?

 

[RedfogsFlock]

I leave em be. We even had one with a nest under our dogloo that we have for one of our roo's in case of bad weather. We left em, and the chickens made quick work of them. Whenever they catch em they make quick work of each & every one!

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Thank you for the response!!! I have a feeling that it would be a never-ending task anyway- there's a large field nearby.

 

[GeeVee]

if they were rats, that is a whole different story, but our chickens looove mice! i agree with RedfogsFlock, the ckickens (if fully grown or almost fully grown) will make quick work of them, they will think its a little treat.

 

[EweSheep]

Mice and rats, no. They are disease carriers. I know chickens love them LOL! Make sure they are not putting up residence inside the coop, they will be back to get to the eggs.

 

[D'Angelo N Va.]

I realize you can't put down poison, and EVERYONE will have mice in their coops at some point...but do all you can to get rid of them. The huge salmonella thingy going on now says that the chickens have it because mice poop in the food while eating it and then the chickens eat the food and it goes into the chickens and so on....how much truth there is, I don't know....but I have them as well...sometimes you are fighting a losing battle though. don't stress out too much over it.

 

[al6517]

I have a large coop and run's and keep in excess of 125 birds in all stages, I keep a vigilant watch for all preditors including mice which will get out of control if your not careful. I lay out bait bars in areas where the chickens can't get to them but are highway's for them when they travel through the coops, and it really keeps the population down and I never notice droppings in the feed anymore or anywhere else. It's just healthier for everyone.

AL

 

[beachchickie]

THe Salmonella egg recall came from rat/mouse droppings found in with the chickens. I would find ways to set traps up high on a board even if you have to nail them down. They are nasty little creatures. They also carry Bubonic plague.

 

[al6517]

There are all kinds of useful mice traps that can be used in and around chicken areas. One of my favorites is a water bucket & can trap clean and effiecient and catches a ton of mice every time.

AL

 

[LadyHartman]

Al, can you elaborate on the water bucket can trap? Tell me how it works or how to make one? I need a poison free trap system. I have little kids and don't want them around poisons. Thanks!!!!