Rats in the chicken coop

[Yay Chicks!]

I am a firm believer in taking the feeder out of the coop or run at night and putting it in a rodent proof container until the morning. Rats can climb.

I've done this for four years and have never seen evidence of rats.

 

[BarneyChick97]

Seems like the most simple thing to do. We bring in our turkey/duck food buckets every night. Even if they are empty. I think he thinks that because its up "high", its in the clear. I could easily believe that they could climb a wall of chicken wire! My husband might need the convincing!! It puzzles me that I can find rat poop on one side of my hen house, that is a good 4 feet off the ground, by NO food? Hmmm....he might have to bring in ONE more bucket tonight!

 

[hbhoffman]

Hi! Having had rat issue, I can tell you that they can climb, chew through wood, and easily climb vertically between two parallel pieces of wood like two flat,sheer boards inches apart then jump up about 2-3 feet airborne from there. If there is any poop, you have rats. Check all places for holes as anything bigger than an inch or two, they can squeeze through-like a snake disengages its jaw to swallow large prey- rats can squeeze themselves through holes! Also look for holes/tunnels anywhere within your yard. If one is there then you could have a series of tunnels connecting underground. Rats need water, food, and shelter. They will eat cardboard,glue, insulating foam, wood, compost, dog poop, really anything. And they do chew through plastic tubs. My trash cans demonstrate that fact! They can jump vertically about 3' high depending on their size. This info. is based on experience with the large sewer type rats. We used the rat traps that are black,oval shaped with a red hole in the center for baiting. They are killed and don't escape like the old fashioned spring traps. Hope this helps?!

 

[blucoondawg]

The best way to get rid of rats is poison. Trapping only kills a few and they may have a whole brood. I have never removed food from the coop and never had rats get in the coop though we have had them outside and under the coop. they're quite common in the agricultural areas especially in the fall after the crops have been dug and fields worked under. Shooting them with 22s is entertaining though not really effective for eradication

 

[Sonya9]

Should I lock my cat up in the coop at night? I cant believe Im asking this. My husband thinks its a good idea. omg.

No that is NOT a good idea. Cats can easily transmit Pasteurella with a bite or even a tiny scratch that goes unseen, Pasteurella is EXTREMELY LETHAL for birds.

I am sure plenty of people have outdoor cats that go around their birds with no problem (or if there is an occasional problem and a bird dies they have no idea what happened) but locking a cat up in a chicken coop is really asking for trouble.

I happen to know this odd fact because years ago a friend kept a bunch of parrots and also rescued dogs and cats. The cats were NEVER allowed in the room with the parrots for that very reason.

Quote:

 

[seminolewind]

Yes, lock up all the feed at night and use bait stations. And watch the bait get eaten away.

 

[BarneyChick97]

So my husband has been bringing in the chicken feeder each night, and I haven't seen anymore rat poop. I know, they are probably still out there. I have not bought any bait or traps yet. Maybe I will next week. We are supposed to be processing our toms (this weekend) that would be wondering around those. So, until then, that's my excuse.

I guess I was wondering if anyone knew if rats could squeeze through the chicken wire holes?? Unless there is some hidden tunnel, maybe under a rock that I'm not seeing, I don't know how they are getting in?? It's been raining quite a bit lately here, and there is lots of standing water in our coop??? But I guess if they are used to living in sewers? They adapt to that???

They'll eat DOG POOP? Well, I've got plenty of that!!

 

[blucoondawg]

Standing water won't bother them and I'm sure they can go through chicken wire. At least the smaller ones would. Buy bait stations to put the bait in then your birds won't get at it. Sooner you get rid of them the less likely they are too multiply into a major problem

 

[Loriemarler]

Well I have been picking up the feed at night ever since I saw a trail leading into the chicken pen (mine are in a pen in an enclosed area of the barn until we can wire the rest if their area). I also put out a mouse trap. This morning the trap was not sprung but I found large rodent droppings in the pen. I am convinced now it must be a rat. I'm worried if I put out poison my dogs will find the dead rats and eat them before I can find them. Any advice? My two poor banties font have a chance against a rat

 

[Loriemarler]

I just read a DIY on making a rat poison. It is equal amounts flour sugar and baking soda stirred together and left in shallow containers. Apparently the bicarbonate in the baking soda causes gas and since the rodent cannot burp they end up dying. I am not convinced though. Has anyone tried this? I might try it tonight since I have all the ingredients.