Rat Breeding for Feed?

[Barefoothappy]

Does anyone here know anything about breeding rats for feeding their chickens? Have you found it worth your time and the cost? Just looking for alternative ways to feed our chickens organically and less expensive. Thanks!

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Following because this sounds interesting.

 

[Lenny loves chickens]

Following because this sounds interesting.

Same here I didnt know people fed chickens rats fo there main course

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Same here I didnt know people fed chickens rats fo there main course

I'm sure they don't usually....but the OP is asking for opinions on doing so.

 

[Lenny loves chickens]

I'm sure they don't usually....but the OP is asking for opinions on doing so.

I am definitely interested in responses

 

[cluckmecoop7]

I am definitely interested in responses

Same, that's why I'm following but let's stop hijacking the thread now. Sorry OP

 

[Bigtom Turkey]

I briefly looked into feeder mice. And from what I read I could work. Rats I always thought would be too big. But they could work too.

 

[MACCanadianCoop]

I presume you are talking about feeding pinkies to the chickens?
I'm not sure it would be any cheaper or less hassle than other feeding methods. Domestic rats can actually be more work than people realize. And if organic is your goal, you would need organic rat food, which isn't going to be inexpensive either. Probably better off going the route of insect larvae.

 

[Poultrybonkers]

I have rats and mice but my chickens didnt eat the mice i had so its a complete waste of time.

 

[affacat]

Sounds like rat propaganda to me!

'Leave out lots of extra feed around chicken run. This will keep your chickens happy and actually decrease your feed costs' - Squeak Ratterson

Honest answer? I'd go with maggot farming first. Did that last year and it was actually fun (we never did get our black soldier fly farm going (the goal) but we made enough housefly maggots to keep the chickens in heavy amounts of treats)