tjandcpj Posted May 7, 2012 Share Posted May 7, 2012 I have the Eglu classic, i went to close the Eglu door this evening and saw a rat run along the run and go beneath the Eglu. I have now removed the feeder (grub feeder with layers pellets ) but has anyone advice on how i can rid / prevent rats ? Do you think there could be a nest beneath the Eglu ? Would it be safe to the chickens to put rat poison through the hole in the nesting box ?? Doris Mabel Nellie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted May 7, 2012 Share Posted May 7, 2012 There's a very useful sticky on rats here. Yes, they could well be nesting under the Eglu unfortunately, and I wouldn't recommend putting poison anywhere other than in a secure bait box. Putting the Eglu on slabs may solve the problem (although they could tunnel under the slabs), in the long term poisoning them is the best solution. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweety Posted May 7, 2012 Share Posted May 7, 2012 I would also suggest that you put something in the hole in the nesting box to stop a rat getting through it - I use scrunched up chicken wire. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheekymonkey68 Posted May 8, 2012 Share Posted May 8, 2012 Get yourself an enclosed (rentokil) bait box cost about £15 - 18 from DIY stores. That should sort them out, and be safe enough if you have other pets. But as soon as the bait is gone or you have no sign of rats, you should consider removing them. If you need them again you can get refils. You probably should do something sooner than later as they get quite cheeky very quickly and you dont want your girls to get hurt, plus there may be more than one, and rats multiply v quickly given a guaranteed source of food and water. Best of Luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavenders_Blue Posted May 9, 2012 Share Posted May 9, 2012 I'm afraid poisoning them is the only way to go. As mentioned above, you will need to put the poison in a secure bait box to prevent other animals from ingesting the poison and keep putting the poison out until it is no longer being taken (ie all the rats have gone!). Definitely take the food in at night to limit the rats' access to food other than the poison. Oh and GOOD LUCK! I am off to buy rat poison this morning too, so you have my full sympathy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clucker1 Posted May 9, 2012 Share Posted May 9, 2012 Me too.....you have my fullest sympathy. When your bait box is emptied, replenish it as the little darling rats might want more poison and you'd hate them to be hungry ha ha! I had 4 blocks go on the first go and then as I was so annoyed by the little blighters I put 11 blocks in (did read after you should put less in) but anyway, I couldn't believe it as all 11 blocks went overnight. Since then nothing....phew. But I do have my box out now and cover it when the chickens are free ranging. This is such rat loving weather with all this rain and mud. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
