Crooked Chicken Posted March 8, 2010 Share Posted March 8, 2010 I have NEVER seen a rat in my garden before - and I'm horrified! Sorry to all rat lovers out there, but I really don't want it. Was watching it today, and it was very busy hoovering up all the bird seed that had fallen onto the ground. Just hope it's not going into my chicken run as the chickens looked a bit scared of it. Would like to catch it humanely and take to a local park. Can anyone out there recommend a good humane rat trap? Saw one on Amazon, made by a company called the Big Cheese, but it had some bad reviews. H E L P !!! Many thanks Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 8, 2010 Share Posted March 8, 2010 Articles on dealing with rats **here** Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chook n Boo Mum Posted March 8, 2010 Share Posted March 8, 2010 Not sure but I think releasing a rat is illegal..........if it isn't illegal it's, in my opinion, at least not very friendly. The only good rat is a dead one & the snap traps are quick which is more humane than being trapped in a cage, just be sure that the traps are set away from any other animals & birds. Sorry if this upsets you, but they spread nasty infections & diseases & breed like crazy! Many people have had great success with bait, in theory the vermin go back to their nest and die. Other methods are available but not necessarily suitable for your situation. Try & keep all food out of the little blighters way, remove all spillages and bring the chooks feeders in at night............just remembered I haven't put mine in the bin yet , must do that NOW !! Sha x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crooked Chicken Posted March 8, 2010 Author Share Posted March 8, 2010 Thank you for those replies - very helpful. I can't bring myself to poison the rat - I just can't do it. So will have to use a humane trap, but had no idea that it would be illegal to release it in the local park. Thanks again Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 8, 2010 Share Posted March 8, 2010 If you use a live catch trap, by law, you must kill the rat, not release it. You risk being bitten if you don't know what you are doing, so if you don't fancy poison, use spring traps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ISCA Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 If you have seen one you can guarantee there will be others nearby. If you can not bring yourself to dispatch them, then get in someone who can e.g Rentokil. Rats spread disease, including Weil's Disease (icteric leptospirosis) which is potentially fatal for humans (10-15% mortality). The bacterium is present in their urine and can survive for months in the environment if conditions are moist and warm enough. Releasing rats into a park where children may be palying would be irresponsible, and illegal. Not dealing with the problem effectively is, in my opinion, also irresponsible. I think dealing swiftly and effectively with rat problems is something you have a duty to undertake if you choose to be a poultry keeper. Sorry if this sounds harsh, but it is a serious issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 'Fraid you need to bite the bullet and get rid of that rat! Everyone is correct that you must kill it if you catch it - I have yet to capture one in the 2 different humane traps that I bought. I managed to catch 2 robins and Brenda our garden hedgehog - she was not amused . Poison in a bait box or shooting are your best bet but you can't be sentimental about it. They are vermin and will breed quickly and do spread diseases. Also be careful they don't try and move in to your house Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
