No other option?

[african chickens]

So we have 3 barn cats and set up traps but the rat population has gone crazy recently, although our barn cats do their best I don't think they are able to get it under control I suggest more barn cats to provide them some back up but is that the only option?

 

[GodLovesU]

Are the rats eating bird food?That may be the problem and if you secure the food the rats will go away.

 

[african chickens]

The food is stored in bins but they eat from the feeders when the birds get fed every night after the birds are done I take it away

 

[GodLovesU]

Is there anything else that might be attracting them?

 

[african chickens]

Not that I can think of

 

[Birds and Buns]

We use live traps for mice, and snap traps. We put them in the pens, and have gotten rid of 300+ mice that way. The snap traps are in containers with a small hole so the birds don’t injure themselves.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

It depends on where you live. We live on a farm completely surrounded by thousands of acres of fields. No amount of traps or poison could touch the mice problem we were having. Some feral cats showed up and multiplied. I think there are 8 out there living in the barn right now. We have not seen a single mouse in the barn or house since…well ones that were alive anyways. The cats always have a dead mouse they are gnawing on. My husband used to hate cats, but he loves the feral ones that showed up because they have definitely earned their keep in the barn.

 

[african chickens]

It depends on where you live. We live on a farm completely surrounded by thousands of acres of fields. No amount of traps or poison could touch the mice problem we were having. Some feral cats showed up and multiplied. I think there are 8 out there living in the barn right now. We have not seen a single mouse in the barn or house since…well ones that were alive anyways. The cats always have a dead mouse they are gnawing on. My husband used to hate cats, but he loves the feral ones that showed up because they have definitely earned their keep in the barn.

We're surrounded by swamp and live right outside town. I see adding more barn cats as our best option..

 

[cassie]

Have you thought of getting a Jack Russel or other ratter? They will get your rats, but they are not safe around poultry.

 

[The Moonshiner]

Poison