Rats are carrying chicken eggs—what should I do? - briefly
Seal all entry points, install sturdy wire mesh around nesting boxes, and set snap or live traps to eliminate the rodents. Dispose of compromised eggs and sanitize the area with a rodent‑proof disinfectant.
Rats are carrying chicken eggs—what should I do? - in detail
Rats that have begun to transport poultry eggs pose a direct threat to flock productivity and biosecurity. Immediate action prevents loss of hatchable eggs and reduces the risk of disease transmission.
First, secure the coop. Install hardware cloth or metal mesh with openings no larger than ¼ inch on all walls, doors, and ventilation slots. Seal gaps around wiring, pipe penetrations, and foundation cracks with steel wool followed by caulking. Replace any damaged wire with reinforced material.
Second, eliminate attractants. Remove spilled feed, grain, and water sources that draw rodents. Store feed in sealed metal containers. Clean the coop daily to discard crumbs and droppings that provide scent trails.
Third, implement trapping and exclusion. Place snap traps or electronic kill traps along established runways, preferably near entry points. Bait with peanut butter, bacon, or dried fruit, rotating bait types weekly to avoid trap shyness. For humane management, use live‑catch traps and release captured animals at least two miles from the property.
Fourth, protect the nesting area. Use deep nesting boxes with removable tops that close securely when not in use. Line boxes with straw or sand that can be changed regularly to disrupt nesting material that rats might exploit.
Fifth, monitor and maintain. Conduct weekly inspections of the coop perimeter, checking for new burrows, gnaw marks, or droppings. Record trap captures and replace malfunctioning devices promptly. Rotate trap locations to cover the entire enclosure over time.
Finally, consider professional pest control if infestation persists despite these measures. Certified exterminators can apply rodenticides in a controlled manner, ensuring compliance with local regulations and minimizing risk to poultry.
By sealing entry points, removing food incentives, deploying appropriate traps, and maintaining vigilant inspections, the rodent problem can be contained and egg loss prevented.