How do you fight rats in a rabbitry? - briefly
Implement a sealed, predator‑proof enclosure, eliminate food spillage, and place snap traps or electronic bait stations along walls. Regularly inspect burrows, maintain clean bedding, and rotate traps to keep the rodent population under control.
How do you fight rats in a rabbitry? - in detail
Effective rodent control in a rabbit breeding operation requires an integrated approach that combines habitat modification, physical barriers, trapping, and, when necessary, targeted chemical measures.
First, eliminate food sources that attract rats. Store commercial feed in sealed metal containers, keep the storage area clean, and remove any spilled grain immediately. Dispose of uneaten feed and bedding material daily to reduce residual scent trails.
Second, deny access to shelter. Seal cracks in walls, floors, and foundations with steel wool and cement. Install metal flashing around vent openings and ensure doors and gates close tightly with weather‑stripping. Cover all utility lines with conduit to prevent gnawing.
Third, employ a trapping program. Use a combination of snap traps and live‑capture cages placed along walls, behind equipment, and near known runways. Bait traps with peanut butter, dried fruit, or commercial rodent attractant. Check traps at least twice daily, dispose of carcasses promptly, and reset traps until activity ceases.
Fourth, consider bait stations only when infestation persists despite the above measures. Deploy tamper‑proof, anticoagulant bait stations in locations inaccessible to rabbits, following label instructions and local regulations. Monitor bait consumption and replace stations as needed.
Fifth, maintain a rigorous sanitation schedule. Clean pens weekly, remove droppings, and replace soiled bedding with fresh material. Rotate cleaning crews to ensure consistent inspection for rodent signs such as gnaw marks, droppings, and urine stains.
Finally, document all actions. Keep a log of inspection dates, trap counts, bait usage, and any structural repairs. Review the record monthly to identify trends and adjust the control plan accordingly.
By systematically removing attractants, blocking entry points, deploying traps, applying bait only as a last resort, and enforcing strict cleanliness, a rabbitry can suppress rat populations and protect animal health and product quality.