Can Rats Make Chickens Sick?
WouterThere are many reasons to keep rats away from your chickens. Not only are they pests that are dangerous for your chickens, but they can also spread disease to your chickens. Rats carry several diseases that affect chickens, and some of these diseases are fatal. Fortunately, not every chicken will become ill as a result of rat infestation, but it’s worth considering the risks.
Rats can infect your chickens with salmonella, which is a highly contagious disease. The rodent will defecate in the food that you provide for your chickens, and the bacteria in their feces will eventually make your chickens sick. Rats can also spread leptospirosis, which is an infection that can affect chickens. This disease can enter your chicken’s body through the mucous membranes and broken skin.
One way to avoid rats making your chickens sick is to clean your coop often. If you have a coop with a watering container, keep it out of the reach of rats. They can access water and hanging feeders. Make sure to take these items inside at night. This is the best way to ensure that you don’t endanger your chickens.
Although rats aren’t the most common predators of chickens, they can make them ill if they feed on their food. They can also eat your chickens’ eggs and defecate on your coop and feeders. In addition to causing disease in chickens, rats can also cause structural damage. You may want to consider rat trapping if you’re concerned about rats in your coop.
