Rats !

A

AnnieMid

New Born Pup
Joined
Jan 28, 2021
Messages
8
Reaction score
3
Points
55
Location
Cheshire
Hi, I have a new heater in my Guineas shed and last night my husband saw 2 large rats outside it !
we have never seen this before. The weather is -3 at night and I’m worried the heater is attracting them.
Has anyone experienced this and could they get in ?
worried ++
 
I dont have an issue with rats in my shed so can’t help from personal experience, however, yes they could get in. Rats can fit through absolutely tiny holes so it would be a good idea to check the shed is secure everywhere (roof as well). Are they in a hutch in the shed or just free roaming?
 
They live in a shed with c+c open cages that are the length of the shed and in an ‘L’ shape. Another on a shelf above as well, the same.
They both have enclosed ramps to attached runs which I slide wooden shutters down to keep foxes out at night.
Just thinking now that this may possibly be a way in !
 
The shutters are a possibility for the entry point then. Unfortunately c&c cages offer no protection against predators and rats are incredibly determined creatures. Is there any way you can bring the piggies indoors for safety until you can be sure rats aren’t getting in?
 
Piggies&buns said:
The shutters are a possibility for the entry point then. Unfortunately c&c cages offer no protection against predators and rats are incredibly determined creatures. Is there any way you can bring the piggies indoors for safety until you can be sure rats aren’t getting in?
Click to expand...
 
No room inside. I’m going to secure the shed as much as possible and be extra scrupulous with food etc.
Scary and worrisome. Never ever had this problem before. Kept Guineas for 20 years plus.
 
I would get a hutch for them rather than a c&c. Hopefully you’re able to close off all entry points. Also make sure there’s no food left in there at night.
 
I know its a random question but are you putting food out for the birds? We had rats come into our garden one year when I put loads of those fat/seed coconut shells out when it was cold. I had pest control come out and he said remove them and see if that helps (I really didnt want to poison them). As soon as they were removed then the rats disappeared.

My shed is double lined with hardboard so that if the outer layer has an issue they still cannot get in. This may be worth looking at ? Like you I have C&C cages which I really dont want to change so we are meticulous about any tiny gap.
 
Maybe remove them and see if they come back? Honestly they went overnight when I did that
 
Obviously a difficult compromise to make but birds find it really hard to get food this time of year especially with the snow 🕊️ 💞
 
Yes it’s difficult, isn’t it. We just moved the food further away from the house but it depends on the size of your garden. But having rats is bad for nesting birds too as they will take eggs and kill young birds.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top