Dealing with rodents and pests in the chicken coop

Stop Rodents in the Chicken Coop

Do you have rats or mice in your chicken coop? Rodents are a common problem in chicken coops.

Rodents in the chicken coop are undesirable for many reasons. They eat feed intended for your chickens, contaminate feed and water with feces and urine, spreading parasites and disease. Rats may steal eggs, prey on chicks, chew through feed bins, and even attack adult chickens.

The good news is, you can stop rodents from taking up residence in your chicken coop with effective solutions provided here.

What Attracts Rodents to the Chicken Coop?

Rats and mice are attracted to coops by easily accessible food, such as spilled feed or uneaten scraps on the floor. This food source, if regularly available, quickly attracts rodents.

Signs of Rodents in the Chicken Coop

  1. Droppings in the feed or water
  2. Strong smelling urine
  3. Feed disappearing overnight
  4. Scratches or damage around the coop
  5. Chewed holes in netting, timber, or feed containers
  6. Gnaw marks
  7. Eaten eggs
  8. Chickens showing stress or reduced appetite
  9. Missing chicks
  10. Dead or injured chickens

Visiting the chicken coop at night often reveals these rodent intruders.

How to Deal with a Rodent Problem in the Chicken Coop

Simply removing food sources is not enough to eliminate a rodent problem. A comprehensive baiting or trapping program is necessary.

We recommend agricultural safe baits in lockable rodent bait stations. Humane rat traps and mice traps are also effective, especially when baited with chicken feed.

Effective rodent control involves:

  1. Removing the rodents through baiting or trapping.
  2. Making the coop as rodent-proof as possible.
  3. Eliminating all potential rodent food sources overnight.
  4. Cleaning and disinfecting the coop regularly.
  5. Treating chickens for parasites that rodents may carry.

Image Gallery

Rodent Bait Station Bait Station with Bait Bait Station Positioned

Cleaning the Coop After Rat Infestation

Properly cleaning the coop after a rodent infestation is crucial to prevent disease:

  • Wear protective gear (mask and gloves).
  • Use a disinfectant designed for use in livestock environments.
  • Thoroughly clean and disinfect all surfaces.
  • Apply insecticide in nooks and crannies to eliminate parasites.

We recommend Virkon S Disinfectant

Rodent-Proofing Your Chicken Coop

Prevent future infestations by making your coop rodent-proof:

  • Seal all gaps larger than 2 mm.
  • Use fine mesh or solid materials to cover openings.
  • Maintain a tidy and clutter-free coop environment.
  • Regularly inspect the coop for signs of rodent activity and take immediate action.

Prevent Pest Birds in the Chicken Coop

Pest birds, like rodents, are attracted by available food. Ensuring feed is inaccessible to wild birds is crucial:

  • Use feeders that prevent spillage.
  • Position feeders away from open access points.
  • Cover runs with bird netting if necessary.

Contact us for solutions if you encounter persistent issues with pest birds.