rat in the coop

[Cremesoda34]

It's winter time here in indiana and so that means rats and mice want my coop for shelter and food. I found several chewed holes this morning and want to know what is the best way to get rid of them. I can't put poison in the coop as you all know the chickens will eat it.
Any suggestions ?

 

[Ted n Ms]

I think i would set a trap where chickens can't get to it and bait it with meat or peanut butter. If it is a rat use a large trap.

 

[Debbi]

You could stuff steel wool in the holes, then tack up some hardware cloth around the walls where they seem to be getting in. If you use a snap trap for either mice or rats, make sure the chickens can't get to it! A rat trap could kill a chicken. I have 9 cats, so mice haven't been a problem for me, and if the mice did get in the coop, the chickens would eat them!

 

[7L Farm]

I use hot wire. Here's a couple that didn't make it in.

 

[Ted n Ms]

Quote:
That's what i'm talking about...... a good rat.