Possible rat...

[Crcess]

I have a potential rat digging into my chicken yard at night. I have been missing a few chicks lately(one at a time) and noticed a hole dug underneath my chicken ramp. What can I do to keep it from digging into the chicken yard?

 

[mowin]

Predator apron around the entire coop and run. Do a search on it. I do a 24" apron to deter digging critters.

 

[Crcess]

Predator apron around the entire coop and run. Do a search on it. I do a 24" apron to deter digging critters.

Thank you

 

[McChooky]

I have a potential rat digging into my chicken yard at night. I have been missing a few chicks lately(one at a time) and noticed a hole dug underneath my chicken ramp. What can I do to keep it from digging into the chicken yard?

Lowes has hardware cloth on clearance.You may have to ask an associate to show you where its at in the store.It cannot be purchased online but you may be able to call the store and have them put some up for you at the customer service desk to be picked up like I did.
I bought (8) 10 ft rolls of 24" wide mesh for around 45 bucks ,enough to cover the top of a 8 x 16 run (Yardgard brand) The 1/2" mesh size is what you need to keep rats out. The 1/4" is not as strong but will work if you can't get anything else. If you have rats getting inside your run then snakes or weasels can also get inside too . Squirrels and chipmunks eat baby chicks too so you have to keep these chicks inside if you don't have the proper enclosure .

 

[cmom]

I have electric wires around my coops and pens which stops predators. Rats. I use poison but in away that only the rats can get to it. They have dug tunnels around the coops. I haven't found any dead rats but I think they go into their tunnels and die. Good luck...
http://www.poultrydvm.com/featured-infographic/tips-for-protecting-poultry-from-predators

 

[Crcess]

Cannot use poison because where I think the rats are coming from, my chickens can get underneath also.

 

[Al Gerhart]

Can the rats also get to the feed? They will never leave if that is the case.