Mr Rhode Island Red Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 Unfortunately, I opened the house door a few minnutes ago to find a rat eating an egg. I was already suspicious as 1 egg was broken every evening when I'd collect the eggs this week. I'm going to put out a poisoned rat box, and maybe some traps and check for holes in the hen house. Any ideas to prevent it until I exterminate the brat Thanks a bunch Mr Rhode Island Red Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweety Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 What a nasty surprise! You need to get rid of them asap and, in the meantime, check for tunnels and holes and block them up. Can you move your hen house? If so, maybe move it onto concrete slabs to stop the rats getting in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppy ben grace Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 You could try finding someone with a terrier to do the job. Good luck with it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tracyann Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 I remember seeing one rat laying on its back holding an egg and another rat pulling it along by its tail years ago... No rates here I have two cats and a Parson Russell Terrier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Rhode Island Red Posted March 26, 2011 Author Share Posted March 26, 2011 I agree, that doesn't sound pleasant Update: I have set two rat traps and i'm checking regularly for any catches, however know I can't let the hen's for their usual run in my orchard unless i want toeless (or even headless ) chickens Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Rhode Island Red Posted March 26, 2011 Author Share Posted March 26, 2011 update: Got one! However it's a different rat to the one I saw eating eggs. I think there may be a few of them. Anyhow, one down and a few more to go! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 Well done. Just be a little careful if you are using the snap type of rat traps. I stopped using them after I caught and killed 2 robins Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted March 27, 2011 Share Posted March 27, 2011 Agree with the above. I now use bait boxes that are out all year, even though we only ever see ratties in the winter. Bait boxes have been out for 2 years now and this is the first winter that we haven't had any tunnels/rat holes. The feed bill has gone down too Good luck with yours Mr RIR. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Rhode Island Red Posted March 28, 2011 Author Share Posted March 28, 2011 (edited) Another update: Caught 2 more! I fear there may be a nest of them but at this rate, they won't be around for long! Thanks for all the replies! Ps. I see you changed your avatar Chucky Mama Edited April 5, 2011 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JillM Posted April 2, 2011 Share Posted April 2, 2011 I love rats as pets, but I agree you don't want wild ones in the hen house Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Rhode Island Red Posted April 5, 2011 Author Share Posted April 5, 2011 Update; Have caught 8 rats so far . However i think there is still a few more Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beach chick Posted April 5, 2011 Share Posted April 5, 2011 omg, 8!!!! SURELY there cant be many more? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted April 6, 2011 Share Posted April 6, 2011 Just goes to show that you absolutely have to tackle rats as soon as you see them as they breed so quickly. The 'live an let live' approach that some people have just doesn't work with rats. Glad that your traps are doing the trick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Rhode Island Red Posted April 8, 2011 Author Share Posted April 8, 2011 I know ...8 I hope there isn't much more. Ps. Beach chick, that was the response I got from most of my relations when I told them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
