As a backyard chicken owner, collecting fresh eggs from your hens is one of the best perks However, you may notice your egg production suddenly dropping and find your nests raided The likely culprit? Rats. These persistent rodents can sneak into coops and eat both eggs and young chicks. While having rats around your flock is concerning, there are ways to deter them. Let’s look at why rats target eggs, how to keep them away, and what to do if they’ve already infiltrated your coop.
Do Rats Actually Eat Chicken Eggs?
Rats are opportunistic omnivores and will eat pretty much anything they can get their paws on Eggs offer a convenient protein source Wild rats may specifically seek them out as food, whereas domestic rats encounter eggs incidentally when raiding chicken coops.
Rats use their sharp front teeth to chew through the hard shell They’ll then lick out the insides or carry eggs away to eat in peace While rats don’t consume the shell itself, they sometimes accidentally ingest small fragments.
Signs Rats Are Eating Your Eggs
Watch for these clues that rats may be pilfering eggs:
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Decreased egg production. If your hens’ output suddenly drops, rats may be to blame.
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Damaged shells or shells with holes. You’ll likely find these discarded in nest boxes after rats have sucked out the contents.
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Missing eggs. Rats may carry them away whole to eat elsewhere.
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Messy nests. Rats leave behind eggshell fragments, urine, feces, and make nesting material disheveled.
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Rat droppings. Finding rodent feces increases the odds they’ve accessed your coop.
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Chewed wiring or holes. Rats may gnaw entry points into your coop. Examine closely for any breaches.
Preventing Rats From Eating Eggs
Stop rats before they become a problem with these proactive measures:
Collect Eggs Frequently
Don’t let eggs accumulate in nests. Collect at least twice daily so rats have fewer opportunities to steal them.
Remove Food Temptations
Rats target chicken feed. Store it securely in galvanized metal cans. Hang feeders to discourage climbing. Remove spilled feed promptly.
Install Barriers
Seal any gaps or holes where rats could enter. Cover coop foundations with wire mesh or gravel to impede burrowing.
Eliminate Hiding Places
Clear vegetation and debris around the coop. Keep the coop interior tidy and prevent clutter that rats could nest in.
Manage Water Sources
Rats need water. Don’t have open water for them to access. Use enclosed nipple waterers.
Keep Lights On
Rats are more active at night. Keep coop lights on after sundown or use motion-activated lighting to startle them.
Get a Mouser
Certain cats or dogs can help deter rats around your coop. Just ensure they don’t also harass your chickens.
Stopping an Existing Rat Problem
If rats have already infiltrated your coop, take action to remove them and prevent reentry. Here are a few options:
Traps
Both lethal and live traps can help eliminate individual rats. Place them along known rodent paths and check frequently.
Rodent-Proofing
Seal up any holes, cracks or gaps so rats can’t return after trapping. Install mesh or gravel barriers if needed.
Poison Baits
Rodenticide poisons will kill rats but must be used with extreme care to avoid harming chickens or pets. Follow all label instructions.
Predator Urine
The scent of coyote, fox or dog urine may help scare rats away. Reapply weekly.
Natural Repellents
Strong spices like cayenne, garlic, black pepper, peppermint oil or eucalyptus may deter rats when used liberally around your coop.
Encourage Predators
Hawks, owls, snakes and other natural rat predators can be attracted by providing habitat for them near (but not too near) your coop.
The Bottom Line
Diligent rat control is essential for any flock owner. While having these pests around is very undesirable, the situation is manageable with commitment. Prevent access, remove food rewards, and utilize multiple deterrents. Persistence is key to protect your chickens and their eggs from sneaky rats! Implement these tips and you’ll have those egg thieves on the run.
Solutions to Keep Rats from Urban Chicken Coops
The first place to start is a well-designed coop. If possible, raise the structure off the ground. This prevents rats from being able to tunnel under fencing and get inside. Make sure that you upgrade from chicken wire to something more durable as rats can easily chew through thin wire or even slip through it. (Rats can get through openings the size of a quarter).
Consider feeding chickens inside an enclosed run or use treadle feeders. Treadle feeders reduce the amount of discarded (and therefore tempting) food. They have a closed lid that the chicken lifts by stepping on the treadle to open and access the food. Controlling where and how the chicken is fed can reduce the access to food for rats and discourage them from hanging around. Feed on a schedule instead of open feeding, especially if you are concerned about an active rodent infestation.
Practice a good food storage strategy. Store chicken feed away from sheds and in rodent-proof, metal containers with tight-fitting lids. Try to keep food away from the chicken coop, even if it isn’t necessarily convenient.
Good coop location and maintenance
Build coops away from other structures, particularly your home (to reduce the chances of an opportunistic rat raiding your house). Clean the coop regularly – dispose of dead birds in vermin-proof containers, clear out spilled feed & broken eggs, and change bedding frequently. Around the coop, make sure that vegetation is cut back as rats love the cover that is provided and will use it to scurry close. As you maintain your coop, inspect for rodent presence. Do you see rat droppings? Evidence of material being moved? Greasy tail marks or pawprints? Take action if you believe you have rodents.
Eradicating Egg Stealing Rats! Homestead Life With Jason Salyer ON3
FAQ
How do I keep rats from eating my chicken eggs?
- Well-designed chicken coop. The first place to start is a well-designed coop. …
- Rat-proof feeders. …
- Good food storage. …
- Good coop location and maintenance. …
- Hanging bird feeders. …
- Backyard compost. …
- Pet food (or other food left for outdoor animals)
Would rats eat chicken eggs?
Eggs are a great source of extra protein and the rats love the taste! Just give as an occasional treat in addition to their regular food. You can give it with or without the shell.
What animal could be eating my chicken eggs?
If eggs are missing, one of several predators—including skunks, snakes, rats, opossums, raccoons, blue jays, and crows—may be at fault.
How to protect eggs from rats?
Ideally, remove the eggs daily so any possible rats in the area do not have the chance to take them. But merely removing the eggs won’t be enough to keep the rats at bay if you do have a pest problem.