How to effectively eradicate or significantly reduce rodent population in backyard chicken operations
Six mice caught outside one of our chicken coops. Suckas!!
When it comes to rodents and animal feed, the truth of the matter is that no operation, no matter how large or small, will ever be free from these types of pests. Backyard chicken operations often attract unwanted visitors—rodents such as rats and mice. Rodents can cripple your operation by stealing feed, contaminating water, and even threatening the health of your flock by spreading diseases and other pests, such as sticky flees. Nonetheless, it is possible to minimize or reduce the rodent population in your farm or homestead by implementing some of the best practices I mention below.
Thankfully, with the right approach, you can reduce or even eradicate the rodent population in your chicken coop and surrounding areas. Here's how:
# 1. Cut off their food supply
Rodents are opportunists and will not pass on easily accessible feed. One of the main reasons they come into chicken coops is the presence of chicken feed. Reducing their access to animal feed is essential to minimizing their presence. If the farm was my full-time job, I would not have feed out in any coop during the night. My first job in the morning would be to feed the chickens and just feed them for the day. Another alternative is to swap all traditional feeders for an automatic 4-6 port feeder, which comes with caps the can be screwed on to keep mice out.
Feed Barrel
Best Practices:
#1. Rodent-proof feeders: Invest in feeders designed to be inaccessible to rodents. Automatic treadle feeders, for example, require the weight of a chicken to open the lid, keeping smaller pests out. We are slowly replacing our hanging feeders and dome feeders for these Automatic Metal Chicken Feeders No Waster Weatherproof Poultry Feeder for Chickens, Geese, Ducks, Turkeys, Quails (4-Port). Besides keeping the feed dry during a storm (water can leak through the roof if the rain is heavy), they also discourage mice from coming in as they have protective caps that can be replaced during the nigh time when chickens are asleep.
Store feed properly: Always store chicken feed in rodent-proof containers, such as metal bins with tight-fitting lids. Avoid leaving bags of feed in the open. We used to store feed in barrels like these before having our dedicated feed trailer.
Clean up spills: Regularly clean any spilled feed in and around the coop to remove a potential food source. Sweep the coop floor daily, and ensure any outside feeding areas are tidy.
# 2. Secure the Coop
Rodents are highly skilled at squeezing through small gaps and chewing through weaker materials. If you have the right coop (walls and windows), making it secure is critical in keeping rodents out of your chickens' living space.
Key Actions:
Block entry points: Inspect the coop for gaps, holes, or cracks that rodents could use to gain entry. A rat can squeeze through holes as small as a quarter, while mice can get through even smaller openings. Use hardware cloth (not chicken wire) with a fine mesh (no larger than ¼ inch) to cover any openings.
Elevate the coop: If possible, raise the coop off the ground by a few inches. This makes it harder for rodents to burrow underneath and nest.
Use concrete floors: If you're building a new coop or upgrading your current one, consider installing a concrete floor to eliminate rodent burrowing.
#3. Control Water Sources
Like any other animal, rodents need water to survive. Standing water sources near your chicken coop can provide rodents with easy access to hydration.
Steps to Take:
Eliminate standing water: Ensure that waterers are leak-proof and not providing free water to rodents. Drain any water that pools around the coop after rain or cleaning. If possible, invest in automatic waterers.
Elevate waterers: Keep chicken waterers off the ground, either by hanging them or placing them on a raised platform.
# 4. Practice Good Bird Husbandry and Yard Sanitation
Keeping the area around your chicken coop clean and tidy is crucial for preventing rodent infestations. Rodents are drawn to areas where they can hide and nest, particularly in cluttered spaces. Rodents like to hide in dark places, under coverings, inside water gutters, and abandoned pipes.
Maintain Cleanliness:
Remove debris and clutter: Rodents love to hide in piles of wood, leaves, or debris. Keep the area surrounding your coop clear of such materials to reduce potential hiding spots.
Remove uneaten food scraps: If you feed your chickens table scraps, make sure to remove any leftovers from the coop area before nightfall to avoid attracting rodents.
# 5. Use Natural Deterrents
There are several natural ways to deter rodents from entering your chicken coop and yard. These methods are non-toxic and won’t pose a risk to your chickens.
Suggestions:
Peppermint oil: Rodents dislike the smell of peppermint. Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them around the perimeter of your coop or in areas where rodents may be entering. A safe alternative is to get some peppermint oil repellant which I found to be very helpful.
Predators: Owls, cats, and some dogs are natural predators of rodents. Encouraging owls to nest nearby or having a barn cat can significantly reduce the rodent population.
Plant deterrents: Certain plants, such as mint, lavender, and daffodils, can help repel rodents. Planting them around your coop could provide an additional line of defense (I have not tried this method, but have seen many people mention it as an effective tool against rodents).
# 6. Trapping and Baiting
If you already have a rodent problem, trapping and baiting can help reduce the population. However, these methods must be used with caution to avoid harming your chickens or other pets.
Methods:
Small metal wire multi-catch live animal squirrel catch and release trap for pest control: This is my preferred method for rodent control in my farm. It is very effective, 100% safe for my chickens and other animals, and best of all, it is poisonless and humane.
Snap traps: Traditional snap traps are an effective way to eliminate rodents. Place them in locations that are inaccessible to your chickens, such as under the coop or in covered bait stations.
Electric traps: These traps deliver a humane, quick shock to kill rodents. Like snap traps, they should be placed in areas your chickens can’t access. I use these in elevated places in my hatching room. They do work effectively.
Bait stations: If you opt to use rodenticide, only do so with bait stations that are tamper-resistant and specifically designed to keep chickens and other non-target animals out. Be mindful of using poison, as it can also harm pets or beneficial wildlife. I would recommend using these only in areas where you don’t have chickens. I have some spread around inside my garage and enclosed areas where no animals have access.
# 7. Adopt Rodent-Resistant Chickens
Some chicken breeds are naturally better at deterring rodents. While they won’t eradicate the population, chickens such as Rhode Island Reds, Dark Cornish, Plymouth Rock, Leghorns, and Buckeye tend to be more alert and aggressive toward intruding pests. I can’t fathom the idea some people have that chickens are natural rodent control. I have seen people on social media raving about their chickens for eating mice, and some will even claim that it is free protein! Ouch! While we want our chickens to be aggressive towards mice, I can’t fathom the thought of having any of my chickens ingest any bit of mice. If they only new what diseases and illnesses mice carry and can transmit to their chickens, they would think differently. Mice can bring salmonella and leptospirosis, which can be fatal for the bird. Both these diseases are transmissible to humans. Besides salmonella and leptospirosis, rodents carry other pests such as fleas, sticky fleas, and mites which can be labor intensive and costly to treat.
Rodents can be a persistent problem for backyard chicken operations, but with good biosecurity measures and a strong rodent protocol in place, you can significantly reduce their numbers and prevent future infestations. By eliminating food and water sources, securing the coop, practicing good hygiene, and utilizing natural deterrents or traps, you’ll protect your flock and create a more pleasant environment for your chickens.
