Rats

[chickboss]

Just wondering at what age rats are no longer a major threat to chicks. Need to get mine outside, and budget is running low for hardware cloth. I'm racoon proof at least. My chicks are 4 weeks.

 

[chickboss]

If this is in the wrong topic could someone let me know. Thanks

 

[Stonerowfarm]

A rat got into my bantam coop and killed two full sized bantams during the night. These were full grown bantams with two roos in with them. They just got them while they were sleeping. Vicous creatures - don't trust them until the hens are large enough to peck their eyes out.

 

[chickboss]

Wow, that answers that! Thank you! Will see what I can do about the small openings before I put them out. I don't know that we have a lot hanging around, but, it's a farm. Was seriously debating about putting them out today, glad I didn't.

 

[Imp]

There have been posts that rats will gang up on large breed chickens.

Imp

 

[Stonerowfarm]

I don't know what it is this year, but there seems to be more problems with rats. In six years here I've never had rats, just mice. This year we have had a barn full. I don't know if they are telling all their rat friends that the barn is a warm "safe" place. But I'm working hard to dispel that rumour. One unlucky fellow did get into my full-size hen coop obviously while the girls were still awake. I never found the body but boy oh boy.... there was a lot of blood where he tried to escape and even outside the room in the barn. Really didn't feel too badly about that.

 

[Olive Hill]

Never. Rats can and will take full-sized birds. Some flocks will kill a rat, some won't. You won't know which you have in your coop until a rat tries it.

And I have to say I got a good kick out of "raccoon proof"

A "raccoon proof" coop is like a "bombproof" horse. No such thing. You do the best you can, you take the precautions you're able but if they want in, they'll get in. That simple.

 

[chickboss]

Quote:
I know, LOL, I almost put a funny smilie after I said that, but decided for optimisim. As for the bomb proof horse, I do have one. It has a long stick for a body, and yarn for hair, but who am I to complain.

Stone- Your rat problem sounds insane!! Good luck and I hope I never have them in such epic numbers. Hurray for your hens killing that one off. I hope my hens are the mean vicious type that take after their ancestor the T-Rex. LOL.

 

[Olive Hill]

Quote:
I know, LOL, I almost put a funny smilie after I said that, but decided for optimisim. As for the bomb proof horse, I do have one. It has a long stick for a body, and yarn for hair, but who am I to complain.

Hahaha! I love it. I'm just glad you mentioned it I got a good little chuckle.