Will Rats Kill Chickens?
WouterOne of the most common questions you’ll probably have when you own chickens is, “Will rats kill chickens?” The simple answer is “yes.” You should be cautious when putting up feeders and water founts because rats can get in them. Always bring the feeders and water troughs inside at night.
Luckily, there are many ways to prevent rats from getting into your coop and destroying your chickens. The first step is to get rid of any food that rats might be able to eat. Make sure you seal up any holes and cracks. Oftentimes, rats kill chickens just for sport. They prefer to kill smaller animals such as chickens because they are easier to catch. However, it’s important to remember that some rats do not kill chickens.
Rats will often target young chickens and eggs, but will also kill adult chickens. The best way to prevent this is to prevent rats from gaining access to your coop. Remember that rats usually only attack your chickens during the night. They will often bite them in the head or neck, resulting in death. Rats will also gnaw on chicken carcasses, pulling them into a corner or burrow.
Rats and mice can transmit diseases to your chickens. Although they don’t usually kill chicks, young chickens, and adults, they are capable of transmitting diseases to them. Salmonella, for example, can be carried by rats and transmitted to chickens through their drinking water.
