How to catch a rat in a chicken coop with a homemade trap? - briefly
Place a baited snap or bucket trap along the rodents’ typical routes inside the coop, using peanut butter or dried fruit as lure, and secure it to prevent chicken access. Check and reset the device daily until the rat is captured.
How to catch a rat in a chicken coop with a homemade trap? - in detail
A rodent entering a poultry enclosure threatens feed, health and egg production. A practical solution is a self‑made snap or live‑catch trap positioned where the animal travels.
Materials needed
- Heavy‑duty wire mesh or a wooden frame (15 × 20 cm)
- Two sturdy sticks (≈30 cm) for the trigger arm
- A spring steel bar or a strong rubber band for tension
- Bait: peanut butter, dried fruit or grain
- Protective gloves and a disposable bag for disposal
Construction steps
- Assemble the frame: secure the mesh or wood into a rectangular box with one side left open as the entrance.
- Attach the trigger arm to the rear edge of the box using a hinge made from a nail or a small bolt.
- Connect the spring steel bar to the opposite side of the arm, creating a loaded tension that will snap the arm shut when released.
- Place the bait on a small platform inside the trap, directly in line with the trigger mechanism.
- Test the trap by gently releasing the arm; it should close quickly and hold the cage shut.
Placement strategy
- Identify gnaw marks, droppings or runways; position the trap perpendicular to these paths.
- Set the trap on a stable surface near the coop wall, avoiding direct sunlight that may deter the rodent.
- Check the trap every 2‑3 hours; if a capture occurs, wear gloves, seal the animal in a bag, and release it at least 1 km from the farm or dispatch according to local regulations.
Maintenance
- Reset the tension after each capture.
- Replace bait daily to maintain attractiveness.
- Inspect the frame for rust or damage; repair or rebuild as needed.
By following these steps, a farmer can reliably eliminate a rat from a chicken enclosure without purchasing commercial equipment, preserving feed integrity and flock health.