Rat Infestation

[Amelia-DarkWing]

I'm having a rat problem in my backyard. They are coming in to eat the duck food, and it's getting ridiculous. I've tried traps (they outsmart them), moving the food bowl up high (they apparently can jump several feet in the air), and I don't wanna risk using poison, if by small chance the ducks could get ahold of it, or the wind could blow it in their pen. Is there an effective way to rid of rats and at the same time, not put my ducks in danger? Any ideas?

 

[cameronfarm]

I had a mouse problem when we moved to the new house, I released the 3 cats. There hasn't been a mouse since!

If that doesnt work for you start by eliminating found sources. They won't take the bait for traps if they have easier access to food. Only feed the ducks at a certain time and take the food away as soon as done. Make sure all grain is securely locked up in metal containers. Collect any and all eggs as early as possible to prevent that from becoming the next meal of choice.

Next look for access, make sure all openings have screens, seal up any cracks / holes / etc. Keep up with the traps. As easy access to food declines they will go for the traps.

 

[GloryGirl]

Ditto cameronfarm


Also, when dealing with rats, you may need a larger size of cat, too. Maine Coon would be my first choice (Mine is 18 lbs when physically fit and had to be taught not to reach up and paw the kitchen counter when I'm cooking.), from a breeder that still breeds the polydactyls, but they can be pretty expensive. If your ducks are securely penned, perhaps a dog? With patience a dog can be trained to hunt the rats and not the ducks, but I'd never leave them alone together.

 

[cameronfarm]

Also, when dealing with rats, you may need a larger size of cat, too. Maine Coon would be my first choice (Mine is 18 lbs when physically fit and had to be taught not to reach up and paw the kitchen counter when I'm cooking.),

I want your cat lol. Would keep my daughters ankle biter dog in line

 

[GloryGirl]

I want your cat lol. Would keep my daughters ankle biter dog in line

Yeah, he can pin our 50 lb husky border collie mix when their wrestling. I wouldn't leave him alone for a second with our ducklings, though, and we never let him close to the guinea pig.

 

[Amiga]

There is a smokebomb product that can be used on their holes. One you light and drop in, another is a hose attachment for car exhaust. I have not used the latter.

I have found that sometimes they fall into the swim pans and drown. There is a DIY trap that involves a five gallon bucket and a dowel that spins and has peanut butter in the middle of it. The rodent has to put all its weight on the dowel to reach the peanut butter then the dowel spins and drops the rodent into the water to drown.

There is also a Predators and Pests forum on BYC.

 

[ducksinarow]

Rat terrier or cats.

 

[Amelia-DarkWing]

lol, i love your cat!! thanks everyone for the suggestions, i got a cat, and bricked off a lot of my backyard. huge difference. (-:

 

[GloryGirl]

I'm glad things have improved.