OMG my chickens ATE Mice, HELP!!!!

[American Jane]

We've had our chickens for about 3 years *4 hens*. After about the 2nd year, we started to see a mouse problem, around the chicken coop. It took us a while, before we realized that the mice had chewed a hole through the bottom of the Rubbermaid garbage can, where we used to store the chicken feed. There was a huge, intricate nest, under the can; yards of tunnels. Of course there would be! Living under that can was probably like Eden to them. They were supported by an endless supply of free grain! They even ruined a bale of straw with their nests. I don't know if my chickens have eaten any, but my dog probably has. Even though he's very good with the chickens, he's a lab. He probably tried to play with them and there was an accident. I don't like mice but I didn't want to poison them or trap them. I just wanted them to go away. Eventually, they started getting into our basement. Not cool. So we had to start making our yard a less desirable place for these UNdesirables. We started at the coop, by destroying any entry points that we saw. We made sure that all feed and straw were properly sealed, in metal cans or bins. However, the mice were still attracted to the open feeders that hang in the coop. I read somewhere that mice hate mint. A mixture of peppermint oil and water, sprayed around the problem area, helped to repel the crafty, little rodents. In the milder months of the year, you can grow peppermint around the area and ease up on the spray. I'm thinking about getting a cat, too. I know my lab, Cooper, would love to have one!

 

[loxley2014]

In desperation to finally rid my house of mice, I place some poison (Talon) under my kitchen sink along with a mouse trap. Caught a mouse in the trap and dont know whether it has sampled the Talon. Without thinking I through the mouse to the chooks one of which quickly gobbled up the mouse. What have a I done? Can I eat the eggs? (Providing the chook survives!) The Poison number was directed to a hospital and they could not help. Suggested I call a vet. Any vets out there who could answer my quiery. Many thanks. Barbara

 

[MammaHen16]

It's normal, my hens had eaten mice, frogs, and they have even killed and eaten a bady rabbit. To be honest I was confused and shocked at first to see them do this, but ya I still love my baby's.

 

[Wyverntales]

Yes they definitely eat other animals... Easy way of disposing if mice caught in traps. It is a bit ewwy but its just how it goes. Though I do have cats and my young roosters reaction when my smallest cat caught a rat was funny. He freaked out everytime the cat swatted at the rat. Not sure if he has had much experience with cats before. He was given to me. My two cats on the other hand have just accepted that I'm always getting other animals. Haha. They know to leave the other critters alone... Mostly. My 13 year old cat bullies my blind dog... Evil at times. The younger cat caught the rat. The chickens steal food from the cats and they back down unhappily.. Though the 13 year old tries to do the same only to be disapointed most of the time... She'll steal anything dairy or resembling bread... Even tried some pumpkin I gave to the chickens! Im happy if the rodent numbers are kept down, less reason for snakes to visit. All of our snakes are venomous...

 

[bigmrg74]

You just gotta remember that chickens are just the living descendants of the T-Rex. Anything smaller than them and not quicker than them is fair game to be eaten by them.

Almost 2 years later and I'm still getting Ovations from this post.

 

[rottlady]

LOL so you are. My friend was telling me her chickens were running about with a dead mouse the other day playing keepaway until it vanished

 

[bigmrg74]

LOL so you are. My friend was telling me her chickens were running about with a dead mouse the other day playing keepaway until it vanished

Always funny to watch them play that game. That or you toss in a big grasshopper into the pen and watch them all scramble for it.

 

[MsAlana]

I just witnessed one of my hens eating a mouse whole a few minutes ago. I freaked out. Had to call my husband to ask him about it. He said its fine. Then I came on here and read everyone's comments and was relieved. My main concern is I really hope the noise didn't consume any poison.

 

[bigmrg74]

I just witnessed one of my hens eating a mouse whole a few minutes ago. I freaked out. Had to call my husband to ask him about it. He said its fine. Then I came on here and read everyone's comments and was relieved. My main concern is I really hope the noise didn't consume any poison.

Have you set out any poison for rats and mice recently??

 

[rockymountain]

I too found a dead mouse in the chicken run, thank goodness they didn't eat it. I assumed my silkie male killed it as he hangs out in the run a lot more than the girls. I quickly disposed of it. Kind of freak me out as well. Do you think they didn't eat it since I don't give them meat? Are they more opt to eat the mouse after experiencing raw meat? I kind of treat and feed my chickens as vegetarians. I feel the same way feeding them chicken eggs cooked, could lead them to eat their own eggs?