So Much Food!

[LowesChickenRanch]

The chicken feed is left outside, however, it is in there run and it doesnt appear anything is getting in there at night (I dont see any holes). My son did say he saw a rat yesterday near our chicken coop so now I am curious if it is getting into the run during the day while the chickens are out since I leave the doors open for them. Any ideas on how to prevent the rat(s) from possibly eating the food during the day?

Also, we live on 2.5 acres but the chickens stay in the back of the property. They have plenty of room to roam back there since there is no fence and they often go into our neighbors yard too.

Thanks everyone!

 

[LowesChickenRanch]

@LowesChickenRanch , how old are your birds?

I have two that are atleast a year old but my other girls are 6 months old. The ducks are 5 months old.

 

[lazy gardener]

If a rat has been spotted, you have an infestation. I've no doubt that the rat is getting into your run, They are adept climbers, and will tunnel and chew their way into just about anything. How is your run constructed? What is the covering material? Skirt? Buried vertically or horizontally? I never leave feed in the run at night, and fermentation makes it less likely for spilled feed to be an attractant.

 

[LowesChickenRanch]

Well we do live near woods and orange groves so I have no doubt there are rats around. The run is enclosed with chicken wire and buried at an L shape. I could cap off the feed at night since it is in pvc pipes but I dont think I have an issue at night. I am now curious if it is coming into the run during the day.

 

[lazy gardener]

If you have the feeder in the run at night, it is most assuredly coming into the run at night. Chicken wire is not a deterrent for rats. I'm sure he's inviting all of his aunts, uncles and cousins to the feast.

 

[blackdog043]

I could cap off the feed at night since it is in pvc pipes but I dont think I have an issue at night. I am now curious if it is coming into the run during the day.

I would cap the feeder off at night and see if that makes a difference. Rats/mice are more active at night.

 

[PirateGirl]

I have 11 birds (half LF chickens half medium ducks) and without free ranging I go through a 50lb bag in almost exactly 2 weeks. I somewhat ration the feed based on how much each bird should eat so I'm not feeding other critters. I think the amount you are feeding is relatively reasonable.