Single hen

[Busybird]

Yesterday I spotted a rat running across the chicken's area of garden . I think they have taken up residence under our shed. As yet there is no sign of them inside the shed.

 

This morning there is a tunnel coming out under a paving slab to soil above which is the skirt of the chicken run.They failed to access the run from here but I wonder if the tunnel runs under the slabs from the shed. Should we try to block that?

 

However, there is also a tunnel on the other side of the run which goes under the skirt of the chicken run and which gives access (the run is on soil).

 

Yesterday the chicken run was a bit messy with spilt pellets. Today it looks tidy. Not sure if this is because of last nights rain washing the run, the chickens tidying up what was spilt (I hadn't topped up the grub) or rats visiting overnight through the tunnel. Luckily I had the door of the Eglu shut so the girls were safe.

 

I've read various rat posts here and would like to get some bait boxes. Where can I buy these and what types are considered good?

 

Also, would a rat attack a chicken? Should I put a bait box in the run or under the shed?

 

Thanks for any advice.

[C&T]

Most Hardware places like Rober Dyas, and places like Homebase will sell rat posion.

 

I would suggest getting 1 or more enclosed bait boxes to put the poison in, and most are absolutely fine and do the job. Don't be tempted by the cheap poison though, get one that costs a bit more, the wheat ones are not bad. Our experience has shown itss a lot more effective, and saves money in the long run. And buy a fair amount of poison - you will be amazed how much will be eaten - there are always more rats about then you have actually seen, and you want to get rid of them all!!

 

I wouldn't put it in the chicken run - I would worry about the chickens - but under the shed if that is where you think they are? Or try and put it along their existing rat run, i.e. if you can see they run along a certain fence, put the bait along that fence? If that makes sense. Once you put it down, leave for a couple of days without touching (no matter how tempting!!) so they get used to it. They are wary of new things! After that, just keeping topping the poison up as they eat it.

 

Other people also suggest flushing out the rat tunnels with a hosepipe, and see what happens. They don't like to be disrupted, nor wet - so a regular dousing should see them look for new homes. Personally (and this is just me!) I didn't do this, as I wanted them to eat the poison, and not just move to a new bit of the garden... But every garden / set up is different!

 

Blocking tunnels would probably be sensible - but they are likely just to make new ones... Using scrunched up chicken wire stops them for a while, and may help stop them while waiting for the poison to work.

 

Not sure if they would attack a chicken - chicks and eggs I would have thought a risk though.

 

Good luck!!

[Busybird]

Thanks for that. I need to go to Homebase later this week so will look out for poison and bait boxes then.

 

In the meantime I have moved the run onto the paved area between my greenhouse and shed. It is not ideal and a bit in the way but I assume the rats will not be able to get into the Eglu run if it is on a solid base nor through the slabs?

 

How long do you think my girls will be okay on bare slabs (I have no bedding)?

 

Thanks.

[C&T]

Certainly shouldn't be able to tunnel through your slabs - if they can then I would forget the poison and move house quick!! Small rats have been known to get through the bars on the run though - but only the small ones, and is more difficult for them, so you should have stopped the worst of it.

 

If you can't get to the shops before Thursday I would also flush all the tunnels, - it will confuse them if nothing else!!

 

Re how long to keep your chickens on concrete with no bedding - I am not sure - someone else with more experience can help you out here. Would think you would need to give lots of distractions, like hanging greens, logs, etc so they aren't bored as they can't scratch around??

 

I do hate Rats. I know that every creature has a right to life etc, but rats and spiders I am not always convinced about....

[Guest]

HI

I have a tub of loose poison(will have to check the name gone out of my brain ) ! but it is cost me about £18 a few years ago I think its about a deserts spoon u put in BUT you must put it in a proper bait box to stop other animals getting it ie hedghogs etc the correct bait boxes ie rentokil will do this. Dont just put it on the ground and def not near any animals etc

Rats usually use the same runs but I would def nip in the bud..otherwise they will just breed and your neighbours will complain. Once they take the poison they generally are attracted to water also.

You can buy this from most country feed equine store merchants etc

I would say a rat would attack chickens etc if given the chance

Good luck

indie

[Busybird]

Well, I went to our local agricultural shop and got advice on how to get rid of rats. I then spent well over £30 on good quality rat poison and an enclosed bait box which I set up as advised and also pushed bagged poison down the tunnels under the shed (as advised). We blocked the tunnels into the chicken run and dug over the whole area before moving the run back onto the soil. I didn't like keeping the girls on bare slabs and they had made a huge mess there!

 

There has been no more sign of tunneling into the run and I have seen no more rats. How long should I leave the poison down? Do those of you with rat problems always leave bait in place or do you just put it out when you see rat activity?

[stoice]

I got my pre-baited bait stations from B&Q, about £15 to £18 or so I think. Also I've noticed in =Show+all&s=Price%3A+Low+-+High&x=12&y=7&storeId=10001&catalogId=1500001501&langId=-1&q=RENTOKIL'>Argos new catalogue they have a whole Rentokil section where you can get a pre-baited station and two traps for £25. I like the idea of the ones that look like a boulder in a rockery if they have to be on view. A LOT less obvious to the neighbours!

[C&T]

There has been no more sign of tunneling into the run and I have seen no more rats. How long should I leave the poison down? Do those of you with rat problems always leave bait in place or do you just put it out when you see rat activity?

 

Hooray!! The sense of relief is brilliant (at least, was for us!!)

 

Personally would leave it down for a couple of weeks - make sure your problem has completely gone away.

 

Then it is a matter of choice I think, and depends on your garden / local environment.

If you can leave a bait station out under a shed or something then is a good idea. If you have dogs or small children that you would worry about, take them up but be ready with them if you see any new signs of the problem.

[AbigailGrace]

We saw one today that looked to be quite young and was quite tame..

 

We are off to get some traps..

 

But if anyone has any way of getting rid of them that would be good.

[Guest]

Def loose stuff ...the sachets were used to line the rats nest(yes by the rats) ..

 

I have my 2 rentokil boxes ready for when my chicks arrive but I have used them last year...I try not to throw food out for the birds now as well as this attracts the rats....

 

Now u have the proper boxes and the poison tub will last for a long time....dont go mad just top them up when u remember to....I dont really get the flushing out???they do need to be killed....??

 

I have used mice traps but never fancied emptying a big version for Roland Rat!

 

Well done

indie