Advice for householders to help avoid problems with rats and mice
Keeping chickens
Chicken pens should be built and maintained to keep out rats because rats will be attracted to the chickens’ feed and their eggs. Rats will find weaknesses in the structure of the pens and mesh wiring, or burrow underneath the sides if not underlain with flagstones or some other kind of impenetrable base.
Protection of pens might be achieved using a surround made of strong and durable, fine gauge, wire mesh (e.g. made from galvanised steel), preferably underlain with flagstones or some other kind of impenetrable base.
Grain dispensers designed to limit the spillage of chicken feed might be helpful if there are indications that rats are gaining entry into the pen, but keeping out rats in the first place is of course much better.
Reduce the availability of places close to the pen where the rats may find shelter and nest. In particular, secure outhouses, remove accumulations of waste, and clear any areas of thick undergrowth. It is also a good idea to keep clear an area of at least one metre all the way around the pen in order to facilitate regular inspections to check the condition of the surround for holes and weaknesses, and also to look out for signs of rat activity.