Silkies and predators

[Noellereagan]

This is a photo of the micro mini citron Rio:

Cutest. Roo. Ever.

 

[Bryant Redhawk]

I've seen rats climb up the outside of a three story building to get inside through an open window.

 

[Ozkan]

Will rat do rats attack during the day?

 

[Bryant Redhawk]

Usually not, but that doesn't mean they won't.

 

[Ozkan]

Will they get through 1/2 inch mesh gap?And when I lock them in at night will they chew through the the wood?

This is the coop I have will they get through it?
It has 1/2 inch gap in the mesh
https://www.gardenstreet.co.uk/gard...icken-coops-c252/rita-chicken-ark-p2422/s4719

 

[Bryant Redhawk]

Nice coop, sadly yes, you will need to add a layer of 1/4" mesh to keep rats out. Yes rats and mice can and will chew through wood and their teeth continually grow so they chew all the time to keep them worn down so they can eat. A black light can be used to see their trails (urine trails).

 

[True Patriot]

Rats can attack chickens, but most likely won't. They would most likely be more inclined to rob eggs or the food bowl. A sick or injured bird, of any size is at risk from rats, healthy ones that fight back can usually defend themselves. To reduce the possibility of rats in the coop, keep feed out of roosting areas, chickens won't starve overnight so leave the food out in the run. Collect any eggs regularly and make sure they aren't left inside overnight. Don't store extra feed or treats in the coop. Rats proofing a coop can be done with the methods described by others here. But to me there are other predators that pose a higher risk that need attention first.

 

[Ozkan]

Thanks will the rats get through the wood night coop?
And how do we stop them from getting through the wood?
Because we have 6 inch silkies who the rats will kill.

 

[EggWalrus]

If you look on ebay, you can get 20' × 50' light weight nylon bird or deer netting that can be put over a run to keep birds of prey out. It won't stop other predators so don't use it down low or for walls. If you will be outside when you let them run, you could built a PVC hoop tractor 10' ft wide by 30 ft long. That would give them plenty of room to run and you would only have to move it every couple of weeks. You could even put 1/2" hardware cloth on the lower 3 feet around it to keep out daytime predators like dogs.
Good luck with the Micro Silkies!

 

[EggWalrus]

As for rats chewing thru the wood of the coop, I wouldn't worry about it. It would take more than a night and you would see where they chew and can "paint" poison, hot sauce, or something to deter them. If that doesn't work, wrap it all in hardware clothe. It would have to be Super WhataRat to get thru hardware cloth, Little JustaRat wouldn't stand a chance!