Best way to catch a rat in a hen run?

Eyeore

Hi guys,
I'm not sure if this is in the right section but a rat has taken up residence in our hen run and my husband and I are trying to figure out the best way to get rid of it. Anyone any ideas?
Thanks in advance.

Pie Man

A trap is probably your best option when hens are involved, as they might eat the poison u leave out.

You might want to ask here in the farming/smallholding forum.
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=1511

Eyeore

Thanks Pie Man. Any ideas how or where to place it? I'm unsure what to do as the hens are nosey and will always have a peck at anything new they spot, I dont want them to get caught in it. I was looking at the bait stations too but again I'm not sure if the rat might drag out and drop some poision which the hens could eat.

Pie Man

Eyeore wrote: »

Thanks Pie Man. Any ideas how or where to place it? I'm unsure what to do as the hens are nosey and will always have a peck at anything new they spot, I dont want them to get caught in it. I was looking at the bait stations too but again I'm not sure if the rat might drag out and drop some poision which the hens could eat.

You could make a cave like structure for the trap from cement blocks or logs that the rats could get in but would be too small for the hens. Entrance hole size could be 3x3 inch.

dodderangler

My advice is take the birds out and put in mr ferret
Worked for a lad I know with pigeons
Once the birds where out flying he put in my ferret

Eyeore

Thanks. I will give it a go.

Eyeore

Just for anyone who may be interested I found an interesting discussion on this topic here:

http://www.rivercottage.net/forum/ask/poultry/rats-around-hen-house/p:1/