[jaws]

I was feeding my hens this morning and a rat ran out of the coop. The chicken food bag is in a secure bin in the garage but of course the feeder has free access. I am not against rats per se as we are in a rural area and expect there are plenty around. What I  want to know is, is the rat a danger to the hens? They are rescue caged birds and just past laying so no eggs for the rat. If I  need to get tid of the rat what is the best way, we have the chickens and dogs.
Thanks for any suggestions.

[wapello]

  Get yourself a jack russell, there quick and humane,,,

[Sassy]

The big issue is the diseases they carry, oh and the fact if one is getting free and easy food you will very soon be over run. They often burrow and can undermine sheds etc.

As you live in the country they will always be around the trick is controlling them. 

[grinling]

A trap will work. A metal snap trap baited with choc or a live trap baited with chook food (you will need to kill the rat). Use gloves as they can carry Weil's disease.
I back onto fields here and do not have rats..mice yes. Feeders are hung higher than mice can jump.  Rats need fresh water daily as well as food.
Rats can kill and eat your hens and will chew their way into the house.
I do not use poison as the chooks might eat it.

Any compost bins should be wired underneath.