Mrs

[cavysqueak]

When I went out to get the girls up this morning I saw the tiny wood mouse which has been frequenting our shed lately. It was so fabulous and I loved watching it scamper around, so I can't even think about getting a trap now. So my question is: Is a wild wood mouse likely to bring in any diseases/pests/problems which could be transferred to the chickens?

 

Our girls are already regularly joined by a pair of Dunnocks and a pair of Robins amongst other birds, but this is the first mammal they've attracted.

 

Any likely issues? Or can I just leave it be? We've already had to take anti-mouse measures for the food. At the moment their pellets are in a metal bin & the treats are in the house, although we've hunted out some old metal sweet tins for the food so it can go back into the shed in the foreseeable future.

 

Any ideas/experience? Thanks

[beulah59]

I'm surprised your hens haven't eaten it

[Barkisland]

Yes, if the hens catch it, they will eat it

[Valkyrie]

And it isn't pretty either! But they don't play with it like a cat would do, it's bam bam bam gulp.

[Chucky1]

I'm surprised your hens haven't eaten it

 

Me too.

 

Any frogs about, they'll have those for afters

[Egluntyne]

I'd be surprised if you only had the one wood mouse.

[Kirstine]

We've never worried about mice unless they get into the chicken feed or our kitchen. They won't do your chickens any harm just sharing a garden, run or even overnight accommodation (and can, as has been pointed out, contribute some protein to the diet!) We worry more when they spontaneously disappear, which is often a sign that there are rats about.

 

Kirstine

[cavysqueak]

Thank you! OK I'll enjoy it's company now!

 

We have frogs that wander straight through the chicken run as well! They were eyeing up the wood mouse, but they are probably not quick enough. Or just too lazy.