Rat Question

[winchesterva]

I have been lurking and reading on this site for a couple of months now learning all I can about raising chickens. We are planning on getting them in the Spring. Using the fall/winter months to get the coop and run built.

I have read many posts concerning rats and how to deal with them in your chicken coops. My question is: Can I just assume I will have a rat problem if I have chickens? I'm hoping the answer is no, but I thought I would put that question to the experts.

Thank you in advance for your replies.

Mary

 

[toredano]

I am no expert BUT..
Its like with mice and roaches.. keep stuff clean.. tightly sealed.. dont leave food out ..keep coops and stuff clean and I think you can tward off alot of problems.Rodents are drawn to feed and unsanitary contitions.They smell the scratch etc..
I have my stuff in big plastic containers on the porch so nothing can get in or out and I have not seen any rats or mice ..well the mice and moles get killed by my cats. But no rats.
I have my coop well away from the house.. i know alot of people have big ole barns etc that do have mice.. its unavoidable for sure. Not sure on rats to be honest. Mice are not a huge thread to chickens but rats are.

I think I be more worried about predators .. like coons and possums and feral cats and dogs and snakes and hawks and stuff

 

[gallusdomesticus]

If you keep chickens, you'll eventually get rats or mice. They're attracted to spilled food and unless you sweep up after your birds every night, they'll come. I wouldn't sweat it too much but if you try to poison the rodents, make sure your birds can't get into the poison.
If you do put out poison, I would recommend one containing bromethelin as it is fatal in a single dose and does not rely on multilple feedings like the hemmoragic poisons do.

 

[JJMR794]

Lead Poison--- Say 20grains Delivered At About 1000ft/sec--- Cures Them Everytime, And It Can Double As Cheap Entertainment