Rats in Chicken Coops

In Rats & Mice

Anyone who keeps chickens knows the potential problems of rats in chicken coops – and not just rats, mice too! If you keep chickens you need to be very careful that you take every precaution to ensure that there is not an increase of rats and mice in your area.

Many chicken keepers will tell you of the constant battles they fight to keep the rats at bay. Rats will dig or chew their way into your chicken coop and gnaw at chicken’s legs, steal eggs, eat the chicken feed and spread disease.

There are a few basic precautions that can be taken to minimize the risk, and stay on friendly terms with the neighbours.

A couple of things you can do to minimize the risk are to make sure you remove all food and water at night. Rats need water and will be discouraged if there is none around. If possible build your chicken coop on a concrete slab, so the rats cannot dig their way in. This helps with foxes too.

If you can, get a contract with a reputable pest control company. Failing that, put down some rat traps and check them regularly.

PEST UK offer regular contracts and also sell rat traps. Give us a call on 0800 026 0308 to find out about our contracts, or check our website to see the rat traps we stock.

Keeping chickens can be rewarding, and the eggs certainly taste better. With a little care and diligence most people are able to keep the rat problems to a minimum, so don’t give up.
Rats BPCA Advice