Egluntyne Posted July 11, 2006 Share Posted July 11, 2006 Have only had my Eglu since 28th June. Was giving it a good clean this pm in the sunshine. when I noticed that the hole in the nesting box was half as big again and had obvious nibble marks. Rang Penny who suggested bunging it up with a stone, which I have done, having put a tablespoonful of Lazy Red Chilli in the hole first. Picture in gallery but I have no idea how to create a link. Am disappointed and now reconsidering whether or not to get another chicken. http://club.omlet.co.uk/gallery/view_photo.php?set_albumName=Chickens&id=Chewed_hole created a link for you - LJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 11, 2006 Share Posted July 11, 2006 My goodness! Well done for spotting it, but that is really scary. I hate rats! Can you move the eglu? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnieP Posted July 11, 2006 Share Posted July 11, 2006 Nasty beasts! Want to borrow an air rifle? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted July 12, 2006 Share Posted July 12, 2006 Try putting a paving slab under your eglu - that should stop it. Nasty rats! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paola Posted July 12, 2006 Share Posted July 12, 2006 Blimey Don't let it put you off from getting more chooks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gallina Posted July 12, 2006 Share Posted July 12, 2006 I discovered that rats had burrowed underneath my Eglu from directly behind it, but luckily I spotted the hole in time and filled it in. I've put a huge plant there to stop it happening again, but this of course has to be moved every time I empty the tray, so I am considering putting the Eglu on a slab too. If the Eglu and run are on soil in a permanent position, I think it is important to do a daily inspection round it to make sure nothing is going on. Don't let this put you off keeping chickens. The rats are always with us, chickens or not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted July 12, 2006 Share Posted July 12, 2006 The ground under and around mine is very hard even in wet weather. I have logs behind the eglu after the fox tried to get in that way, but my next project is to try and put slabs under it; I have blagged some from a neighbour who had them left over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted July 12, 2006 Author Share Posted July 12, 2006 Thanks for the tip about the paving slab and the words comfort.. It is so obvious when you think about it, but I am embarrassed to say that it didn't occur to me. I'm blaming the menopause!! Have also ordered a rat zapper and some Eradirat. One way or another I shall get the so and so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted July 12, 2006 Share Posted July 12, 2006 You go for it Egluntine! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
