Advice on keeping chickens and preventing rats
Keeping chickens can be a rewarding hobby, providing fresh eggs and companionship. However, chicken feed, bedding and shelter can attract rats if good management practices are not followed. The good news is that rats are attracted to the resources around chickens rather than the chickens themselves, and a few simple measures can significantly reduce the risk.
Why Rats Are Attracted to Chicken Runs
Rats are attracted by:
- Easy access to food, especially spilled feed.
- Water sources.
- Warm, dry places for nesting.
- Overgrown vegetation that provides cover.
Once established, rats can contaminate feed, spread disease, damage buildings and become a nuisance to neighbours.
Practical Steps to Prevent Rats
1. Store Feed Securely
Feed is the main attraction for rats.
Do:
- Store all feed in metal bins with tight-fitting lids.
- Buy only the amount of feed you can use within a reasonable period.
- Clean up any spilled feed immediately.
Avoid:
- Leaving feed bags on the ground.
- Storing feed in sheds where rodents can easily gain access.
2. Avoid Overnight Feeding
Rats are most active after dark.
- Provide only enough feed for chickens to eat during the day.
- Remove feeders or close treadle feeders at night.
- Check the ground beneath feeders daily for spillages.
3. Keep the Run Clean
Good housekeeping is essential.
- Remove uneaten food scraps each evening.
- Regularly clear old bedding and droppings.
- Compost waste in a secure, enclosed compost bin rather than in open heaps.
4. Raise Coops and Feeders Off the Ground
- Elevate coops where possible to reduce hiding places.
- Use raised feeders and drinkers.
- Regularly inspect underneath coops for signs of burrows.
5. Manage Vegetation
Rats prefer sheltered areas.
- Keep grass short around the coop.
- Remove piles of timber, debris and unused equipment.
- Trim back dense shrubs near the run.
6. Check for Burrows
Signs of rat activity include:
- Holes approximately 5 to 10 cm wide.
- Fresh soil around entrances.
- Droppings near feed stores.
- Gnaw marks on wood or plastic containers.
If discovered, take prompt action before numbers increase.
7. Rodent-Proof the Chicken Area
Consider:
- Heavy-gauge weld mesh rather than chicken wire.
- Buried mesh skirts around the run perimeter.
- Covering drainage openings and gaps larger than 12 mm.
8. Eliminate Water Sources
- Repair leaking drinkers.
- Empty standing water where practical.
- Ensure water containers do not overflow.
What to Do If Rats Are Already Present
If signs of rats are found:
- Improve feed management immediately.
- Remove nesting opportunities.
- Use professional pest control services where necessary.
- Follow all legal requirements when using traps or rodenticides.
- Keep children, pets and livestock away from any control measures.
For significant infestations, contacting a professional pest controller is recommended.
Key Messages for Chicken Keepers
- Store feed in sealed metal containers.
- Clean up spills every day. Remove food sources overnight.
- Keep the area tidy and vegetation controlled.
- Regularly inspect for burrows and droppings.
- Act quickly at the first sign of rats.
With good husbandry and regular maintenance, chickens and rat prevention can successfully go hand in hand, protecting both animal welfare and neighbouring properties.
This information was provided by Caroline Currie (Senior Environmental Health Officer).
Any queries should be sent to Caroline.currie@e-lindsey.gov.uk