Rats

[hxgumdrop]

Iv not had a problem with rats but then I have two cats so they catch any that are around luckily.
Im asking about rats as my friend got 3 hens, two then died and she got 2 more then one died so she now has two hens. I went through every option I could think possible for why they had died. Then she realized rats had moved in under the shed that was attached to the run/coop. Isit possible that having the rats there have killed the chickens with a disease from them or maybe they went into the coop at night and frightened them to death? As I know chickens of any age can suffer from heart attack maybe this is the reason they have died? When I went to see them recently we let the chickens roam the garden, as they was out I wondered down to the run/coop and at least 10 rats of different sizes scattered down different holes. Shes thinking of asking the council to come out and sort the problem but iv been told they wont come out if you have chickens, even if they do come out and get rid of them more will come right?
but yes my question really is, isit the rats causing the deaths or has she just been unlucky with the hens she had bought? the 1 that died most recently was an ex battery.
Any thoughts or advise is much appreciated.

 

[Mountain Peeps]

I've never had a problem with rats so I'm probably not much help. But I've attached some links that should help.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/rat-chicken-pests-how-to-protect-your-chickens-from-rats
http://www.fresh-eggs-daily.com/2012/01/weasels-and-foxes-and-hawksoh-my.html

 

[hxgumdrop]

Thank you there was abit of help on those pages. I just wish I could help Julia with her problem, I will be telling her about the rat proof feeders those are just ingenious!
Im now wondering if the rats are getting in it is probably possible that a fox could get in as well? The rats are getting in as they have made a nest under the shed and then dig into the run, it would obviously take a little longer for a fox to dig under but Im right in thinking that could be possible? She has also seen badgers around, would they go for chickens? Or is that just a stupid question?
Iv had problems with foxes being around with my girls but iv managed to scare it of or they have been in the run when its about so i have no clue about rats or other predators around my area that would cause concern

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Badgers and foxes will both happily go after chickens, chicken feed and eggs. Go back to those links I gave you and look for those two animals.

Good luck!

 

[Mister B]

First, yes, rats carry diseases. I have no idea if that is something that killed your chickens or not. Possibly the rats killed them outright. They can and do attack other animals. I would think more possibly a chick than a hen, but who knows? First, you have to get rid of the rats. They have to go first, then take care of rat proofing. There are several methods of rat destruction, take your pick. I prefer poison, but you have to make sure the chickens don't get the poison. I would not let them eat the poisoned rats either.
More good ideas. I like the locked bait station personally. I didn't know that existed.