rat problem in my duck pen...cats to the rescue!!

[chickenlisa]

I've had new rat tunnels everyday in my Mandy pen, and I fill them in, cover them with rocks, logs, or boards, and put poison in the adjacent sheds (where we've seen rat droppings) but that hasn't helped get rid of them. I went to restock the chicken and duck feed today, bought rat poison blocks to try, and passed by the local animal shelter on the way home. I got out of the car and the first sign I saw was for adopting a barn cat...feed 1 cat instead of so many mice" it said. They gave me 2 cats for the adoption fee of 1! I have to keep them closed up in 1 of the sheds for 2 weeks, they said so they stay around here afterwards.

I've got food, H2O, a litter box, and bales of hay in there for them. I just haven't let them out of the cat carrier yet; the "lil cat" female should've been named something else (I can't write it here...) because she won't let me touch her without spazzing out. I was hoping to put collars on them with the rabies info and shelter phone #. That may not happen based on my first impression of her. He (Willy) is older and pretty mellow compared to her.

Hopefully this will get rid of those pesky rats for good.
Lisa

 

[Mrs. Green Thumbs]

VERY cool of you! It's so hard to find a good home for cat's like that. Remember she is feisty but not a pet she's an employee! Oh and make sure to pick up any poison NOW. That way the rat's will either die or be poison free by the time you let the cat's out (GL with that mouser kitty's tend to bolt watch out when opening the doors!). Let us know how they settle in!

 

[goosedragon]

Quote:
I would still use the poison blocks in areas where kids, pets and stock can't get at them. If you smooth them off with a knife after they have been chewed on they can tell you if you still have a problem or not. The cats will teach the rodents caution so you will be unlikely to see them unless you have a big problem.BTW unless it is required in your area for cats to have collars I would leave them off of an outside cat since they usually manage to lose them or get hung up by them.

 

[chickenlisa]

ok, thanks both of you ....I'll pick up the loose poison pellets, leave the collar on Willy -who was pretty docile. Leave it off Lilly (renamed by my daughter - who didn't like "lil cat' and didn't hear what i'm calling her in my mind...B**** on wheels or B**** on paws...) because Lilly bolted as soon as we slid her down to the opening of the carrier. They have stinky wet cat food, dry food, water, and a fresh litter box, room to climb and hide in that shed. I've put a hook and eye on the inside of the door so we can lock it shut when we're in there. And we'll watch out for escapees whenever we open it. 2 people will be needed to enter, so we can watch out for just that.

 

[katharinad]

Please take the time and sit with the cats 5 minutes per day talking to them nicely and hand out treats. Also leave some old used clothes with them. That way they get used to your smell. The feisty one is scarred right now. A move to a new home can really stress them out for over a week. The feisty one will come around when she sees the older cat loving you.

I'm avoiding those poison pellets etc 100%. I tell you rodents go back where they came from and die. Some are living in wall cavities and boy do they stink decomposing. Plus the poison has risks for other animals. I usually use regular snap traps with sun flower seeds glued to the tripper. Works like a charm. You can always put them into cardboard box with a hole on the side to protect other animals. You wont need them once the cats are doing their thing. Remember you will need to feed the cats too. This is to keep them strong and healthy. They will reward you with plenty of dead bodies. LOL

Katharina

 

[chickenlisa]

Katharinad,
Love it! Thanks! Will do....used clothing, sitting and talking, treats, kitty food even after they go out and start hunting, etc. All good advice. I only called Lilly that because they said she's been at the shelter for ~3 yrs and they had to trap her in the carrier. She wouldn't let them pick her up, even after knowing them that long. I know she's got to be scared- who knows what has happened to her in her life already? The very tip of 1 of her ears is straight across, not pointed like the other ear. I'm wondering if someone hurt her and that's why she's so scared. I feel so had for those shelter animals- I want to take them all home with me.But I didn't get them to be cuddly kitties, we've got 3 big lap cats (also rescues) in the house for that. I'll be so happy to reward them with kitty treats for lots of dead rodent bodies!
Thanks again-
Lisa

 

[rooster0209]

It is awesome that you adopted some barn cats. It is hard to find cats like those a home.

I have one that acts like your lil girl, her name is Stinker. She is spayed, thank goodness there wont be any kittens out of that wild cat. She comes when I call her, will stay a few feet away from me and never caused me any trouble. She is a ruthless hunter and never bothers any chickens or guineas. I do not have rodent problems.

 

[Bossroo]

Rescuing cats gives everyone that warm fuzzy feeling. However... We used to get 10 barn cats for free from the local pound every 6 months for mouse, rat, groundsquirrel control for our barn. We got them every 6 months because the coyote multitudes made tasty snacks of them. Now the local pound charges $65 per rescued cat x 10 cats = $650 x2/year= $1300. Too rich for my wallet, so chemical warfare it is.

 

[cindyschicks]

Bossroo

Oh please don't resort to chemical warfare. I bet there are plenty of rescues around, feral cat societies, etc that will give you cats. I know I have 4 right now I am trying to find a home for. It is so hard to place the cats, let alone barn cats. I am closing my rescue and just can't find anyone to take fully vetted cats even for free!

I know your local TNR (trap, neuter, release) program would be tickled pink to know you want a steady supply!

 

[chickenlisa]

our rescue only charged me $25 for the adoption fee. They let me take Willy for free as long as I was getting Lilly. I gave them some extra $ as they are the only no kill shelter in possibly the whole state. (They just were forced to close until they remodeled and boy did they! It's so nice there now...but it broke my heart and their's to know that some animals were sent elsewhere while they were closed, and may have been put to sleep at those other places.) If for some reason these kitties don't hunt, or run away after I let them out...I know where to go for more. They have so many who need homes, and its so sad to see them have to stay there...

I just peaked in and saw them both sitting up high on some boxes looking right back at me. So cute! I hope they are sniffing out some rats in that shed even and sending out vibes that this is a "no rats allowed- or else suffer the consequences!!!" property.