We have a visitor, possible rat

[millerchix]

We have discovered there is a rat, we think since we have not seen, that comes to our coop. The coop is attached to a garden shed. We go into the shed to get the eggs from the nesting boxes. In November I went to get the eggs and it was dark. All I heard was a loud hiss and movement from behind me. I am in WA State so snakes is not possible. I had a light with me but whatever it was hid or ran. Since then we have only had 2 more encounters. My husband believes it to be a rat. No chickens have been harmed. Should we just set a trap in the shed to kill it? Any advice is appreciated.
TIA

 

[willowbranchfarm]

Yes set a trap. I wouldn't put any poison out because your chickens might get into it.

 

[millerchix]

Will a rat attack the hens?

 

[redsoxs]

Not likely to go after full grown hens. Young chicks perhaps and certainly the feed.

 

[Cknldy]

A hiss? What about an opossum? Quick and slick creatures. It may have figured out there's a meal on the other side but not how to get to it yet. Set a small creature trap with cat food- a lot of creatures go for it. As for rats, I like the box live traps myself cuz u can get more than 1 at a time and don't have to worry about unintended people/pets getting snapped.