P Is For Pests

An eclectic alphabet of chicken facts with a difference. 

- Andy Cawthray

RATS

Rats can be a year-round issue, though winter sees them struggling for food and shelter, so they can seek out a cosy chicken run until the weather improves. Having rats move in is not a sign of poor husbandry, but it is poor husbandry not to deal with the problem. Rats need three things: food, water and shelter; remove at least one of these requirements and there’s a good chance of removing the problem. Don’t leave feeders outside; either bring them indoors or put them inside the chicken coop at night. Empty the drinkers each night, and refill in the morning. Finally, raise the coop off the ground, if possible by at least 15-20cm, to remove the shelter option (this has the bonus of providing outdoor shelter for your chickens).

CORVIDS