Evie Posted September 19, 2008 Share Posted September 19, 2008 Hi, We are still considering, well actively saving for a run and eglu/cube and researching all aspects etc etc. I did wonder if there are issues with mice or rats geting in to 'get at' the feed or hay/straw? We live next to fields, farm which do have the occasional field mice and have once seen a rat! Can someone please let me know if the above is an issue? Evie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted September 19, 2008 Share Posted September 19, 2008 we've had chickens since 2006 and *touch wood* no rats or mice. I think if you generally keep the run/area clean this will help, also some forum members take in the hens food at night to avoid tempting anything feeding on it at night. Clearing away uneaten s"Ooops, word censored!"s/food/pellets and spilt food is always a good idea aswell. Obviously I cant say that you wont have rats because they are quite common in gardens but dont let people tell you that chickens will attract rats because they dont (its the food that does!). Putting the eglu/run on slabs is also done by owners, this will help with any "burrowing" under the run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Helen&Lee Posted September 20, 2008 Share Posted September 20, 2008 Hello, I have to say that if you live near a farm there will be alot of mice and rats around - you just haven't seen them! We have fields all around us and this year I have had rats in my compost heap - my fault it was easy for them to get into the heap at the bottom - a ready made warm dry place for them. They didn't however, dig their way into the chicken run, but there is a fairly deep trench of concrete all around the run I do lift the food at night and bring it in, the sacks of layers pellets are kept in galvanised dustbins so nothing can chew through them. As Chelsea says, if you keep the run and house clean and tidy you should avoid any major problems, this doesn't take loads of time, maybe 10 mins a day, a bit longer cleaning my cube out every weekend. Hope I've not put you off, the chickens are worth it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted September 20, 2008 Share Posted September 20, 2008 I agree...the rats will be there anyway, especially if you are near a farm. You will notice them more as they may be attracted to the hen's food. Article **here** about dealing with rats. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted September 20, 2008 Share Posted September 20, 2008 Hi Evie I wouldn't let any worries about rats put you off getting your chickens . I agree with the others, if you bring your food in at night, clear up spillages and keep any feed/corn etc in metal bins, you should be fine. And slabs round the run are a good idea too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
