My eco solution to rat problems

[Leicester_H]

Its difficult to critise the eglu but I have ONE problem.

 

How do I remove the run door securing pin with my fingers in one piece - they reach right through the bars with their beaks which are very pointy !!

 

I know they're only being enthusiastic, but its currently a 2 'man' job to let them out (one to distract them, one to open run door)

 

Any ideas ?

 

H

[The Dogmother]

I've not had that happen, but could you make a hook and lift it out that way?

[Leicester_H]

I don't think so.

Its a sort of sprung hook that needs to be separated to be lifted out.

Needs 2 hands to be in pecking range.

Maybe its new ?

[The Dogmother]

Hmm, that sounds different from mine - do you have a picture Hazel?

[Popcorn]

How do I remove the run door securing pin with my fingers in one piece - they reach right through the bars with their beaks which are very pointy

 

I've not had this before either. Maybe you could tempt them to the other side of the door with some food while you lift the pin out. Shove something though the mesh. I think Claret's idea is worth a try. I've not seen a sprung loaded one though. Tricky. Maybe a coat hanger would work? I'm sure they'll eventually get to know you are just opening the door and stop the pecking in time. Good luck.

[Leicester_H]

will take picture and report back

 

hold that thought

 

H

[Christian]

I know what you mean Hazel!

 

When we first got the girls, they were so keen to get out they 'nibbled' my fingers, when I was pulling out the pin. They will stop eventually !

 

I think that the peg is a little stiff as it is so new, it does get looser with age or you could try bending it a little? (not too much though)!

Edited April 24, 2007 by Guest

[bronze]

I know what you mean by sprung but if its pulled upwards a little harder it does come out so maybe the hook idea would work

[Egluntyne]

I use my foot to lift it upwards and then quickly grab it. They are so excited at being let out that they get a bit carried away with their pecks. It doesn't half hurt...that's why I very quickly developed the technique.

[fluffygrue]

There's a knack to it - just grab the hook and do it quickly. I've just got used to having my fingers pecked, though.. it doesn't hurt *much*.

 

I find it's closing the door is more awkward.

[Egluntyne]

I sling some sweetcorn or sultanas half way up the run, then they all go after that and so I can close the run door without trapping anyone.

[Olly]

I know eggsactly what you you mean - make sure the round bit is pointing outwards, away from the Eglu, then you can usually grab it without being pecked! I pull the pin out, and then use the end of it to prise the Eglu door open.

 

If I can't do that, I chuck mealworms up the other end of the run - never fails! It's the only way I can refill the food and water without being pecked to bits, or get them back in the run after free-ranging.

[Tara.F]

as a slightly more 'long term' suggestion...

 

our bantams had awfully sharp beaks when they arrived.

we put their treats such as seeds or corn onto the concrete path. over a fortnight their little beaks became much more manageable. they are less messy with their pellets and it no longer hurts as much if you get in the way of the odd peck

 

good for them and good for us

[Leicester_H]

Hi

 

I think Boo actually sharpens her beak on the patio area deliberately !!!

 

My husband can get the pin/peg out in one move and so avoid being pecked - but its a bit unpredicatable.

 

Bribing with sweetcorn would work - but I try to save the bribe to get them back into the run - but I guess they never tire of sweetcorn so a little extra wouldn't hurt.

 

Am working on a small shield to prevent the pecking in this situation - will post photo when I have a working demo !!

 

Thanks for all the replies - glad its not just me (if that doesn't sound cruel?!)

H

[Egluntyne]

Am working on a small shield to prevent the pecking in this situation - will post photo when I have a working demo !!

Am expecting to see a Boadicea like figure!