Rats

[Kaizersmom]

Being a new chicken farmer I was mortified to learn we would get rats. I was determined it wasn't going to happen to us. Well, when I went out to fee this morning something very large ran out of the fenced area.

Tips for rat control?? We have two dogs so poison isn't a viable option, I don't think.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! This link will help: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/rat-chicken-pests-how-to-protect-your-chickens-from-rats Hope you can get rid of those rats!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! BantamFan4Life gave you a nice link to check out, good luck dealing with the rats.

 

[drumstick diva]

Do any of your friends have Jack Russell terriers? They are rough on rats and enjoy the battle. Maybe you could borrow them. You could set traps at night, IF you can remember to pick them up before you dogs or chickens are out. You might also want to google the water bucket rat trap- which involves NO poison.

 

[mymilliefleur]

Glad you joined us, I hope you get rid of those rats soon!

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

Hi

Glad you could join the flock! They are a nightmare are rats I had a rat problem but I did use poison too. I do have two dogs but I used bait boxes so the dogs could not get to the poison. I also put bait down the actual rat hole and covered it over with wire so the dogs could not get near it. If using bait you need to keep putting the bait down so they get enough of it. I also made sure I took all the chicken feed out on a night so the rats would have nothing to eat only the bait.
The cheeky things were coming out during the day too and my other half managed to shoot a couple and the dog got one.
Thankfully this seems to have cured the problem, fingers crossed. Good luck with your rat troubles I hope you are able to eradicate them soon.
Enjoy BYC

 

[nj2wv]

Welcome to BYC. !!