Rats, Rats

[RichZ]

You need barn cats. We had the same problem on our farm. Our vet talked us into getting barn cats, and they've really controlled the rats and mice. They can't eliminate them, but they really keep the numbers down. One thing, though, don't expect the cats to EAT the rodents, most don't. They like hunting and killing them. So, you'll get the best results if you feed your cats. Spay and neuter them, so they won't roam, give them some nice spots in the barn, and keep a bowl of dry cat food in a place that only they can get at, and they'll start picking off the rats. Every morning when I start my chores, I find a nice pile of dead rats at the door to my main barn that my cats left me.

They're great pets, too, and they've made friends with all of my livestock, and even my dogs.

 

[Soundguy]

I like the 'blue / green' poison bars. i put them in an area where the rats / mice can not remove them and leave them in an area for the other animals to get. A piece of 4" pvs with a 2-3" hole cut in to its side, with slip caps just pressed on it makes a great bait.. it's dark and you can put the entire bar in there, and they can't get it out... they eat. leave.. then die in their nest.

I had a few that were eating wires on my tractor.. got rid of them that way without bothering the rest of the animals on my farm.

Soundguy

Everywhere.

Any tricks for driving them out without hurting the rest of the animals?

I thought of the shotgun, but the horse might not like it.

Thoughts?

Jim

 

[Whiskey]

You need some rat snakes, They can go where the rats can and will stay around till there is no more food/rats left then will move on. I know most folks are scared of snakes but without them you think you have rats now....

BINGO......I have a guy that lives down the road, walks his dog every day on the road when he finds a rat snake he'll jump the fence and let it go in our horse barn. Seems like the snakes have devopled a circle they travel in, I see them in the barn for a while and when the rats are gone the snakes go and a couple months later I'll see them again.

 

[shvl73]

Some good ideas, thanks.
I've also thought of a rat trap in a square bucket on its side, lid on with an access hole. Wouldn't harm the birds at all. maybe she can be talked into it.

 

[RavensRoost]

I have had good luck on mice -- no rat problem, thankfully -- using Victor "mousezapper". Bought at Lowes for just under $20, bait with peanut butter, check daily or so, and dump out the "proceeds". They make a larger version for rats.

RavensRoost

 

[scott_vt]

Sounds like you need a rat sniper rifle. This little dandy explodes rats on contact at over 200 yards with 17 grain ballistic tip bullets.

Savage 17HMR

Afternoon Deisel,
Nice lookin weapon ! My Uncle Dave has the Ruger version of your gun, that thing will "Reach out and touch Someone ! " I wouldnt mind havin one myself, but Ive got dust collectin on my 22-250, cuz the wife doesnt want me to shoot anything with fur on it !

 

[forgeblast]

Get the .22 birdshot, think shotgun pellets in a 22 shell. work great on snakes too. Then again you can get a dog, there are some good rat dogs out there. mine have all killed at least one, rat and tons of mice. The sneaky dog even got a squirrl one time eating out of the garbage.
Later
Forgeblast

 

[jfh28]

We've used the electronic zappers on mice and they work exceedingly well. Rat ones are just bigger. Plus this is something you could leave out with the birds since it's just an enclosed box, might need weather protection though.

Jack

 

[HomeBrew2]

I use CCI .22 CB shorts ... no louder than a pellet rifle when run thru a ~24" barrel. So quiet, many guests did not know I was even shooting ... thru an un-screened open window from inside the house.

 

[turbo36]

With all this shootin' talk going on I'm surprised "thingy" hasn't replied yet!