Keeping Rats Out of Chicken Coop

Rats are such rodents which can be very harmful for your chickens. They are certainly not a welcome visitor in your chicken coop. Bacteria caused diseases generally spread through this types of rodents.

Rats can prey on your young chicks, eat your chickens feed and can also steal or eat eggs from coops. Sometimes if the number of rats increases tremendously then they can create severe problems to your chickens. Even they can harm to adult chickens in the coop.

Keeping Rats Out of Chicken Coop

Keeping rats out of chicken coop is very important if you want to have healthy, productive chickens and want to ensure a safe living environment for them.

Learn how to keep rats out of chicken coop. Here we are describing some common methods of keeping rats out of chicken coop.

Coop Design

Suitable, well designed and planned coop plays an important role for keeping rats out of chicken coop. Good designed chicken coop not only help for keeping rats out but also help you to keep other predators out.

You can build your coops with solid walls and doors so that rodents can't penetrate it. Naturally rats will attempt to chew through wood and can also try to get through concrete and soft metal.

keeping rats out of chicken coop, how to keep rats out of chicken coop

So, you have to check and maintain the coop structure on a regular basis. If you notice any damaged sections on the coop's walls, floors or doors then replace or repair it as soon as possible.

You can also try making the coops a little above the ground. Because this system will prevent the rats from hiding underneath the coop or trying to chew their way in from below. 2 to 3 feet is enough height from the ground.

Outdoor Runs

You have to fence all the enclosures to make the coop rat proof. If your chicken coops have windows which allow the chickens to go outdoors then fence it properly.

Necessary things for keeping rats from slipping into your chicken coops are wire fencing with small openings or hardware mesh.

Never keep the openings in the fencing more than a quarter of an inch wide. The roofs of the enclosure also need to be covered perfectly. Because rats are excellent climbers.

Eliminate Temptation

Never leave your chicken's feed, dispensers or water pots outside at night. Because this types of easily accessible water and food sources will attract them. Always keep all feed in a rodent proof containers.

Clean the bush near your chicken coop regularly so that rats can't build nests surrounding or near your coops. Try to notice other sources of foods and water that can attract rats.

For example bird feeders, food left out for pets, puddles of rainwater, various types of food cans etc. Remove all those from your yard.

Using Poison

You can use poison for killing rats. But be very careful during using poison. Because your chickens can also be poisoned. Use poison during night by mixing with attractive foods and remove it very early in the morning before releasing your chickens from the coop.

Ready made rat killer poisons are also available in the market. Use poison only when you are confirm about existence of rats near your coop or yard. You can also contact a licensed exterminator so that he can examine the problem and determine a safe solution.

There are also various types of machines available for killing rats. You can also remove rats by using those machines.

Keeping rats out of chicken coop is very easy. If you are facing problems caused by rats then apply the methods mentioned above and remove them permanently. Hope this guide has helped you. Consider sharing it with your friends and family members if you find it helpful. Good luck and may God bless you!

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