Mice and rats in coup

[Veve]

I am told that Irish Spring soap will run off mice (not sure about rats) but if I put some under my laying boxes, where the chickens can’t get to it, will the odor hurt the chickens? I can’t use poison and traps haven’t worked, I am desperate and want to get a jump on it before spring.

 

[azygous]

I wouldn't use it. Toxic ingredients in Irish Spring are COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE and D-LIMONENE which are toxic even to humans. The strong fragrance contains these ingredients and due to their sensitive respiratory systems, chickens are susceptible to the toxic effects in an enclosed space.

Besides, I have a strong hunch that the mice would overcome the strong smell and be able to determine the soap is rich in animal fat. You would be providing them a rich source of calories.

Have you heard of the bucket roller traps? They work splendidly and can catch numerous rats and mice in a single night. No spring trap to unload a dead rodent and the rodents can keep accumulating in the bucket even if you don't have time to unload the dead rodents for several days.

 

[Mtnboomer]

I wouldn't use it. Toxic ingredients in Irish Spring are COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE and D-LIMONENE which are toxic even to humans. The strong fragrance contains these ingredients and due to their sensitive respiratory systems, chickens are susceptible to the toxic effects in an enclosed space.

Besides, I have a strong hunch that the mice would overcome the strong smell and be able to determine the soap is rich in animal fat. You would be providing them a rich source of calories.

Have you heard of the bucket roller traps? They work splendidly and can catch numerous rats and mice in a single night. No spring trap to unload a dead rodent and the rodents can keep accumulating in the bucket even if you don't have time to unload the dead rodents for several days.

Bucket roller mouse traps are awesome!

 

[aart]

traps haven’t worked

Properly set snap traps have worked the best for me,
in house/garage/sheds/coop,
the old school type with the wooden base and small metal trigger mechanism.
Two key things that upped success immensely:
-Place the bait end of trap against a wall or other flat surface(like a box at least 6" tall).
-Cram some solid bait tight into trigger so they have to really dig for it.
I've found sunflower seeds or a chunk of corn from chicken scratch mix to work very well for bait.....and no more pnut butter mess.
There are various ways to protect the chickens from them...in a box with mouse sized holes down low, under a milk crate or wire basket with holes big enough for mice but too small for chickens.

Been catching mice in under-house garage and sheds(rarely in house thank goodness) for 20 years, way before chickens happened here.
I keep some always set, and am especially vigilant in spring and fall.

 

[Al Gerhart]

Put your bulk feed in metal trash cans or barrels. Then get a proper treadle feeder with a heavy counterweight and a spring loaded door. Problem solved unless you have a mixed flock with pigeons or quail, if you have mainly regular chickens, ducks, or turkeys a treadle feeder will fix the problem. A few small birds like bantams or silkies will learn to eat when they can.