Smart Feeder - Light sensor values

[squidsin]

Hi there, I haven't been on here for a while but I've got a problem I hope you can help me with. We recently moved to the country from London, bringing our two pekins and their Eglu Classic, and inheriting three chooks with a converted shed and large fenced off run. I noticed the chicken food was going down incredibly quickly and I've since realised we have a serious rat problem - I've seen them on the patio as well as in the chicken run, and they're HUGE and very bold. They've got tunnels everywhere, including under the chicken shed. The council has been in already to put bait boxes down but I know the previous owner had them and they clearly didn't solve the problem. I have cats but they're not going out yet (one of them I've only had for a week) and I don't think they could control the problem - and I don't want them eating poisoned rats. I have two toddlers and a puppy too. I really want rid of the rats and my mother has suggested getting rid of the chickens, which probably would do it but would be really sad. I was wondering firstly if it would be worth getting a (second hand) Cube as they do look a bit easier to rat proof (I never had this rat trouble with the Eglu Classic when we were in London) and also if anyone had any suggestions - ideally not poison, which makes me nervous. I'm going to remove all the food from the enclosure at night now but the problem is, the rats can get in and help themselves any time during the day, which they're clearly doing. Should I just feed the chooks once or twice a day instead of leaving food out, and will my pekins adapt to that? They are temperamental things and I don't want them starving! Any help very gratefully received!

[suebee]

Hi there, how awful for you. It sounds as if the resident rats have been waiting for you to move your chickens in. I don't have a cube, but others do, and will no doubt be along to advise. It sounds as if your existing run is too large to pave, (to prevent tunnelling). Perhaps you could re-site your set up, with a smaller, paved run, with cube raised off the ground. If you wish to allow your chooks to free range during the day, ie, an open door which would allow rat entry, you could consider one of those treadle feeders (operated by the chooks), if you can get them to use one.

 

I hope you solve your problem soon. It sounds as if it has been a hard one to tackle (by the previous owners) for some time. You may have to resort to poison to get rid of them initially, and continue from there with preventative measures. It would be such a shame to have to part with your chooks.

[heth1986]

Eurgh! There aren't many things worse than rats... I was going to suggest one of the treadle feeders, I don't have one myself and have heard mixed reviews however if they do work then it may be a cheaper option to a cube. Having said that, a cube would provide you with protection against Mr Fox as well as hopefully solving your rat problem, there have been so many fox attacks this year

I had a bit of a rat issue earlier this year and, like yours, they were bold as brass and came out during the day, even when we were out in the garden. They dodged the poison AND the traps and we ended up resorting to an air rifle, which wasn't nice but it certainly did the trick.

[Redwing]

You could use 0.5cm x 0.5 cm mesh to make a run and site the eglu inside it. Cover the ground with the same mesh and peg down then site the run on top. Use woodchips or some sort of bedding over the mesh. Most of my runs are wired underneath and I've never had any problems with this.

 

Another option is to site the eglu and run on mesh then cover the run in small mesh but that won't look too pretty!

 

Eglu runs do sell well normally so perhaps that could part fund the changes

 

The run needn't be big 6x3 if the eglu is raised or 6x6 if it's not for example

[squidsin]

Thanks - I'll have a look at the treadle feeders. I've got my eye on a second hand Cube - you think it could be worth it? I think your suggestion could work Redwing, I'm not worried about aesthetics as we've got a really big garden and the current chickenshed and muddy run aren't too pretty anyway. I do think it would be easier to look after a Cube, and it would allow the current chicken run area to regenerate. Weirdly, although this place is teeming with wildlife, I've yet to see a fox - even as roadkill!

[squidsin]

I could sell my Eglu Classic to fund the Cube but one of the three chooks I inherited attacks my pekins if she gets the chance - will she stop doing that?! She is bottom of the pecking order amongst the other three so I think she's trying to show who's boss!

[ionian1]

I too live in the country and we do not seem to have a problem with foxes, but one does walk thru the village in the early am. I have rats in our garage again and have been putting out poison which they are eating, hopefully this will deal with the problem.

try putting the poison down on their run at night and pick up early am, the children should then not come into temptation to play or eat it? put those fearsome Trex traps out as well on the rat run should do the trick, they like peanut butter and chocolate.

 

Hope you are enjoying life in the country, only one problem when we moved out of the city is delivery for take aways. they are a treat now not regular meals as some one has to go and get it! Stock up your freezer for the winter, and buy candles and wood, bad weather on way I am told.

[squidsin]

Absolutely love living in the country, would never go back - added bonus is there's a great curry house in the next village which delivers! All my Saturday nights sorted!

 

Off to look up Trex traps....Still scared of rat poison, but what do you use and where do you get it from?

[ionian1]

Just a generic rat poison from country stores, B & Q type places, it is blue coloured wheat so you know it is poison. I have a little tray that I put the poison on. must actually buy some more when out.

 

Take aways, we have them in Ross and Monmouth, but usually work it so husband picks one up on the way home. Were going to have one saturday and make a special trip but the weather put us off going out. We live on a hill so no real problems for us, thou the road does flood at the top of the hill and in a dip. Awful going out one way when it is icy, no gritting for us! I bounced off the hedges on the way down to the bus stop and then drove into town and home the other way, a round trip of approx 10 miles to go 2. There was no way I was going to get up that hill, even in a 4 x 4. The joys of living in the country.

 

My rescue hens are laying, had them a week, and I get 2 eggs every other day. They look better,no new feathers coming yet and brighter colour of combe and seem to have more energy even when wet. Spent most of the wet weather in their coop. as did my 4 others, all snug in the cube.

[redcharlie43]

Hi,

 

Getting a cube won't stop your rat problem. I have a cube and have noticed rats over the last few months. I didn't have a problem when I had a classic. First of all i found the back of the grub that clips over the run completely chewed off! I had to throw it away as it wouldn't stay securely on the run. I started bringing in the food and water at nights but as I work 12 hour shifts this sometimes doesn't happen until gone 11pm. Last week I went out after it had just got dark and saw a rat standing on its hind legs helping itself to food from the grub. It doesn't help that my neighbours throw rubbish over the back of their fence that backs onto the FR part of my run. I have been setting traps but with no luck so far. Will keep on with the traps and have stopped throwing corn around in the afternoon. Hopefully I will get them soon.